Expect West Ham to line up in their usual 4-4-2, with Mads Hermansen in goal behind a back four of Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, and Scarles. That's a defence with real pace and composure — Kilman reads the game superbly, and Scarles gives them width going forward. In midfield, the double pivot of Orford and Kanté is a nightmare for any Championship side: Kanté's energy and ball-winning ability will smother Burnley's attempts to build through the middle. Solomon and Bowen on the wings will stretch the pitch, while Castellanos and Pablo Felipe offer a physical presence up top. This is a side built to dominate possession and hit you on the break — and Burnley's 4-2-3-1 could get caught in that trap.

Burnley will try to control the tempo through their double pivot, looking to feed the number ten in the hole. But West Ham's midfield is relentless — they'll press high, force turnovers, and look to release Bowen and Solomon into the half-spaces. The key battle will be out wide: Burnley's full-backs will have to decide whether to push up and leave space in behind, or sit deep and let West Ham's wingers receive the ball to feet. Either way, there's danger. Set pieces could also be a factor — West Ham have the height and delivery to cause chaos from dead balls, while Burnley will need to be organised and disciplined to survive the aerial bombardment.