Ashley Barnes is nearing a return from a thigh problem while Michail Antonio and Declan Rice could be back; follow Burnley vs West Ham live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 8pm; kick-off 8.15pm; watch free highlights shortly after full time on Sky Sports website and app
Monday 3 May 2021 08:32, UK
Team news, stats and prediction ahead of Burnley vs West Ham in the Premier League on Monday (kick-off 8.15pm).
Ashley Barnes could feature for Burnley against West Ham on Monday night as the striker nears a return from a thigh problem which has sidelined him since mid-February.
Barnes was an unused substitute in last weekend's 4-0 win at Wolves, alongside Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who should also be fit.
However, Kevin Long and Robbie Brady remain sidelined.
Michail Antonio has not been ruled out by West Ham manager David Moyes as he battles back from his latest hamstring injury.
Declan Rice is also on the mend after a knee injury and Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku are not far away either.
Craig Dawson returns from suspension and fellow defender Fabian Balbuena is available after his red card against Chelsea was rescinded.
Burnley vs West Ham will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 8pm; kick-off 8.15pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
Is West Ham's overperformance, according to the key metrics, starting to catch up with them? I've been banging that drum for most of the season with pretty embarrassing consequences considering the results David Moyes' side have been pulling out of the bag. They deserve massive credit for an extraordinary season.
However, back-to-back defeats have started to bear fruit on my West Ham theory. Their bubble is in danger of bursting when it comes to a top-six finish. By the time West Ham kick-off on Monday Night Football, they could've sunk to seventh place.
And this is the last place you want to go at the moment. Burnley are in bouncing form, culminating in a jaw-dropping 4-0 win at Wolves which was completely and utterly deserved in every department. Plus, Sean Dyche's men are notoriously very hard to beat at Turf Moor, fans or no fans, losing just three of their last 12 fixtures.
It's easy to forget Burnley themselves qualified for Europe two seasons ago. A lot of things fell into place that season, mostly keeping a fit group together with a consistent performance level. Judging by their last five games, they are back at that top-eight performance metrics. In that period, they have beaten Wolves and Everton and are averaging two goals a game while posting 13.8 shots per 90 minutes. It's front-foot football being played with a purpose.
They are a massive price to register another victory. And I'm happy to throw in the chance of the game producing more than two goals. All of Burnley's last five fixtures have gone over the 2.5 line whilst West Ham games have been very high scoring of late, averaging 4.4 goal per-game. Combine a home win and over 2.5 goals at a very juicy 5/1 with Sky Bet.
JONES KNOWS PREDICTS: 2-1
BETTING ANGLE: Burnley to win and over 2.5 goals (5/1 with Sky Bet)
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher joins Peter Smith to look ahead to Manchester United's Super Sunday clash with Liverpool. He assesses United's big Europa League semi-final win over Roma and where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side need to strengthen if they are to be Premier League challengers next season. Plus, he gives his verdict on Liverpool's top four hopes - and how they can come out on top in their must-win trip to Old Trafford.
Sky Sports features writer Nick Wright is also on the show, discussing Chelsea's misfiring strikers ahead of their clash with Fulham, and also offering his insight on Arsenal's Europa League semi-final defeat to Villarreal, what needs to change before next week's second leg, and the wider ownership debate which has led to fan protests. He also shares his Pitch for what he thinks will happen in the Premier League this weekend!
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