Many West Ham United fans have demanded that Craig Dawson start for the Hammers against Burnley in the Premier League on Monday night.

The Irons face Sean Dyche's men as they continue their fight for a spot in European football next season. As it stands, they are sixth in the table, but a win would see them move above Tottenham into fifth place. That would leave them just three points behind Chelsea in fourth (Sky Sports), who currently hold on to the last Champions League spot.

In Burnley, they face a side still not mathematically safe from relegation. However, the Clarets can often be difficult opponents, so it promises to be a tight affair, while they possess a red-hot striker in Chris Wood who has netted six goals in his last six matches, including a hat-trick at Wolves last week.

Dawson was sent off during West Ham's 3-2 defeat to Newcastle last month, but numerous fans have now demanded his return to the starting line-up. Only two current team-mates have won more headers per game this season, illustrating his solidity at the back.

These supporters took to social media platform Twitter to implore manager David Moyes to pick Dawson at the heart of the defence, believing that his selection could be "key" to their chances of victory at Turf Moor.

Let's see what the fans had to say about Dawson below

"Personally think Virgil Van Dawson will be key tonight"

Credit: @WestHam_Central

"Chris Wood would have Diop on toast. Put Dawson in. No need for 5 at the back against Burnley."

Credit: @Jhausler28

"Our fans do my nut in. Craig Dawson was like prime Bobby Moore just a few games ago, then because he’s not been decent in the games since, he shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the line-up. Geezer was arguably MOTM at home to Burnley. Need him to ruffle Burnley up a bit."

Credit: @23HPork

"Must start Dawson today"

Credit: @tomcase87

"For me Dawson has to play tonight. He’s the most Burnley like player we have. He can handle Chris Wood"

Credit: @WHUsamzini

"Dawson quite simply must start tonight to deal with Chris Wood"

Credit: @stephenlott

In other news, Frank McAvennie wants the Irons to sign this striker.