West Ham predicted XI vs Burnley: Lewis Orford to start as two changes made

Lewis Orford could be handed a start in West Ham's Championship opener against Burnley.

The Hammers open their campaign with a trip to Turf Moor to face a fellow promotion contender.

Nuno Espirito Santo has already ruled Tomas Soucek and Keiber Lamadrid out of the contest.

That could open the door for the 20-year-old to start the clash against the Clarets.

He started the 3-1 Carabao Cup first round win against Portsmouth, and he could keep his place in the side.

Two other Irons stars may not be so lucky as the academy starlet, though.

Who could start for West Ham vs Burnley in Championship opener?

Mads Hermansen has firmly established himself as the number one for Nuno, and he is expected to continue between the sticks.

Kyle Walker-Peters, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Max Kilman are predicted to continue in the backline, with Malick El Hadji Diouf coming in for Ollie Scarles on the left.

Orford might be named as a starter once again, with Edson Alvarez alongside him in the engine room.

Jarrod Bowen and Manor Solomon are expected to be given the nod on the wings, with Mohamadou Kante dropping out of the side in the second change.

Nuno seems to love Pablo, despite his limited goal returns, so he is predicted to play behind the striker, with Taty Castellanos leading the line.

Why Orford deserves West Ham start vs Burnley

Orford put in a brilliant showing against Pompey last time out, completing 97 per cent of his passes.

The Englishman had 48 touches in the contest, making four passes into the final third.

He made nine total defensive contributions, with eight tackles, one clearance and one recovery, per Fotmob data.

He won eight of 12 duels on the ground, for a success rate of 67 per cent, which helps his case of making the side.

He could take advantage of Soucek's absence and cement a place in the team for the opening day, and perhaps even beyond that.

The expected arrival of Arne Engels will make his job harder in terms of getting into the side, so he needs to make a good impression and will be motivated to impress.

That can only benefit the E20 side, against a difficult opposition.