Managers always say the Premier League is their bread and butter but David Moyes may be forced to go against that for West Ham’s next game.
West Ham’s frustrating 1-0 defeat in the Europa League first leg at Freiburg has created a quandary.
David Moyes has West Ham in seventh at the time of writing. And the Hammers have a realistic shot at finishing in the Premier League top six.
West Ham could and should have one foot in the quarter-finals right now.
Hammers have painted themselves into a corner
But profligate finishing and the manager seemingly reverting to the passive approach which drives Hammers fans mad have left the tie in the balance.
West Ham must win by two goals to avoid extra-time and penalties at the London Stadium.
And they’ve gifted the Germans have something to defend.
West Ham will need all of their best players fit, fresh and firing for the second leg.
So some rather drastic action might be needed from the manager for Sunday’s game against the Premier League’s whipping boys.
West Ham boss to make sweeping changes for Burnley
Moyes is likely to make as many as 7 West Ham changes for the Premier League clash with Burnley.
No disrespect to the Clarets but if there’s one game West Ham might be able to afford to rest players it is this one.
Famous last words and all that.
But the manager has little choice but to make sweeping changes as the risk is too great.
Alphonse Areola will return in goal in change number one. Although there is something to be said for keeping Lukasz Fabianski in and playing Areola in next Thursday’s decisive clash.
I believe Ben Johnson will come in for Vladimir Coufal at right-back in change two.
Hammers second string to save stars for second leg
Change three will see Angelo Ogbonna come in for Kurt Zouma – who clearly needs a rest judging by recent performances.
Aaron Cresswell will replace injured Emerson in change four. Even if the Hammers star is passed fit he will be rested for the second leg.
Kalvin Phillips will replace Edson Alvarez in central midfield in a fifth change.
And Michail Antonio is likely to come in for either Jarrod Bowen or Lucas Paqueta from the start in change six.
The other will make way for ex Burnley star Danny Ings in a what would be a seriously second string side.
There could even be an eighth change is Nayef Aguerd is passed fit with Konstantinos Mavropanos rested.
The West Ham side Moyes might name to face Burnley with one eye on Freiburg:
Areola, Johnson, Mavropanos, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Phillips, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Antonio, Kudus, Ings.