Michael Owen predicts result of West Ham clash vs Burnley
Michael Owen expects West Ham to get back to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend when they face off with managerless Burnley.
The Hammers progressed to their first ever Europa League semi-final with a 3-0 win over Lyon on Thursday, and now turn their attentions to a domestic clash as they look to secure a finish as high up the table as possible.
Owen, speaking to BetVictor, believes David Moyes will want to finish the season in good form to keep their European momentum going and is backing them to claim a routine 2-0 win over relegation candidates Burnley.
“West Ham have been inconsistent in the league recently, their European adventure has taken a lot out of them,” he said.
“David Moyes will want to finish this season in good form though, they can still get a top-six finish.
“Burnley’s defeat last week shocked me. I really fancied them to get the win over Norwich and put real pressure on the sides above them in the league. It feels like a missed opportunity.
“I think Burnley might still be ruing that defeat last week. I’m going for a 2-0 win for West Ham.”
Routine
West Ham will undoubtedly be tired by the time this game comes around and it’s very possible that Moyes looks to rotate a little to give the players some rest and avoid injuries.
That could give Burnley a lifeline, but after sacking Sean Dyche on Friday morning they’re unlikely to be very well prepared for the game and that could put them back at square one.
On paper the Hammers should have far too much for the relegation battlers, with more individual quality, better form and obviously a better manager (especially now).
But an adrenaline dump from Thursday is possible and if the players have one eye on the semi-final it could see a drop off in performance too.
Moyes and the squad must guard themselves against complacency and ensure they put everything into claiming all three points, because while unlikely the top four race isn’t over yet.
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