Preview & Prediction: Burnley vs West Ham United

Saturday, February 7, 2026 Time: 10:00 ET (15:00 UK) Venue: Turf Moor, Burnley Broadcast Information: Peacock (US), No UK TV selected (highlights on Sky Sports/Match of the Day)

Burnley welcome West Ham United to Turf Moor in a Premier League encounter that brings together two sides with contrasting ambitions in the 2025/26 campaign. Burnley, having secured promotion last season, sit in the lower half of the table with around 25-28 points from 24 games, relying on their trademark organization, work rate, and set-piece prowess to grind out results and stay clear of the relegation zone. Under their management, they have shown improvement at home with a compact, disciplined approach that frustrates higher-ranked opponents. West Ham United, positioned in the top half with approximately 38-40 points, continue their push for European qualification, blending physicality, technical quality, and moments of individual brilliance from players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus. Their away form has been solid but inconsistent against defensively stubborn sides. The stakes are clear: Burnley need points to build breathing space from danger, while West Ham aim to keep pace in the race for continental spots. Tactical contrast sees Burnley’s low-block, counter-attacking 4-4-2 or 5-4-1 clashing with West Ham’s more fluid 4-2-3-1 that seeks to dominate possession and exploit wide areas. Key players include Burnley’s aerial threats and midfield tenacity against West Ham’s creative forwards. The atmosphere at Turf Moor should be fervent, with the home faithful creating a tight, intense environment that has historically made it difficult for visitors.

Insights

• Burnley have been resilient at Turf Moor this season, picking up a respectable number of points at home through disciplined defending and set-piece efficiency.
• West Ham United have a mixed away record, winning against lower-table sides but dropping points when facing compact, organized defenses.
• Burnley typically deploy a compact 4-4-2 or 5-4-1, focusing on blocking central spaces, winning second balls, and launching counters.
• West Ham favor a 4-2-3-1 with attacking full-backs, midfield rotations, and wide threats from Bowen and Kudus.
• Key matchup: Jarrod Bowen’s movement and finishing against Burnley’s center-backs, who rely on positioning and aerial dominance.
• Head-to-head history shows relatively even recent encounters, with West Ham edging some but Burnley capable of upsetting at home.
• Season stakes place Burnley in a battle for survival, needing consistent results, while West Ham target a top-seven or better finish for European football.
• Injury updates indicate both sides have mostly available squads, with occasional rotation concerns but no major absences reported.
• Fan atmosphere at Turf Moor remains passionate and vocal, with the compact stadium amplifying home support and creating pressure on opponents.

Match Forecasts

• Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are expected to be central to West Ham’s attacking output, using pace and directness to stretch Burnley’s defense.
• Main tactical battle lies in midfield, where West Ham seek control through possession versus Burnley’s efforts to disrupt and win duels.
• Set-piece threats are significant for both teams, with Burnley dangerous from corners and free-kicks, and West Ham strong in defending them.
• Substitutes such as Maxwel Cornet or Danny Ings for West Ham could provide fresh impetus, while Burnley may turn to pacey options late on.
• Burnley’s defensive vulnerabilities may surface if West Ham maintain high tempo and exploit spaces behind a deep block.
• Game tempo is likely to be controlled early but could open up as Burnley chase or West Ham push for a second goal.
• Late-game scenarios often involve Burnley holding firm for a point or West Ham grinding out a narrow victory in added time.

Match Facts

• Recent head-to-head record favors West Ham slightly in the Premier League era, though Burnley have taken points in several home fixtures.
• Turf Moor has a capacity of around 21,944, offering an intimate, raucous setting where home advantage is pronounced for Burnley.
• Referee notes for these mid-to-lower table clashes typically emphasize card management in physical, competitive battles.
• Broadcast available live on Peacock in the US, with UK viewers able to catch extended highlights on Sky Sports or BBC platforms.
• Weather forecast for Burnley in early February suggests cold conditions around 3-7°C, with a chance of rain or sleet typical for Lancashire winter.
• Team milestones include Burnley approaching survival points targets and West Ham eyeing records for away wins in a season.
• Player records feature Jarrod Bowen nearing personal goal or assist landmarks against promoted or lower-table opposition.

This fixture represents a classic Premier League test of resilience versus quality. Burnley will look to frustrate West Ham with a deep, organized shape, forcing the visitors into wide areas or long shots while remaining dangerous from set pieces and counters. West Ham, under their management, are likely to probe patiently, using width and combinations to break down the block and capitalize on any lapses. The Clarets’ home spirit and physicality make Turf Moor a challenging venue, often leading to tight, attritional contests. West Ham’s superior technical edge and individual quality should provide the tools to unlock defenses, but they must avoid complacency against a side fighting for every point. The match could hinge on discipline, second-ball wins, and moments of quality in the final third. A result here would be hugely valuable for Burnley’s survival bid and help West Ham maintain momentum in their European pursuit. Expect a hard-fought, competitive afternoon of football that underscores the Premier League’s blend of grit and flair.