Set-Piece Worries, Shot Statistics, and a Clash of Philosophies
When West Ham United entertains Burnley at the London Stadium, we are presented with a fascinating tactical case study. On one side, you have a West Ham team that has just snapped a worrying six-game winless streak with an emphatic win, rediscovering their shooting boots in the process. On the other, a Burnley side that defies conventional logic, taking the fewest shots in the league but converting them at the second-best rate.
The underlying numbers paint a vivid picture. These two teams hold the worst shot differentials in the league when the game is in a balanced state, suggesting both can be passive. West Ham’s main Achilles' heel has been their vulnerability from set-pieces; they've faced the most shots from dead-ball situations, with a league-high proportion coming from corners. This is a glaring weakness that Burnley will look to exploit.
For Burnley, the stats are a paradox. They average a record-low number of shots per game for the Premier League era, yet their clinical nature (a 16.2% conversion rate) means they are always a threat with minimal possession. Their task will be to get that one clear chance against a West Ham side that, under Nuno EspÃrito Santo, finally showed a potent attacking threat in their last outing.
Individual battles will be key. West Ham will be wary of Burnley's Callum Wilson, a striker who has a fantastic record against them and loves playing newly promoted sides. For Burnley, the creativity of Quilindschy Hartman, who has been a revelation on the road with assists in his last three away games, will be crucial. This match won't be a free-flowing spectacle, but a gritty, strategic battle where set-pieces and a single moment of quality will likely be the difference.
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