Defence and not attack a concerning problem for West Ham

West Ham’s strikers may have come into some criticism for their lack of goals, but the last week may have shown that it is the problems at the other end of the field that may need ironing out.

Despite scoring twice in each of their last two games, West Ham have still only managed to collect two draws and remain bottom of the Premier League.

What has been even more frustrating is that they have failed to hold on to leads in both of these fixtures.

West Ham have won just one of their opening 12 games and are already four points adrift of safety.

This has left them 1/1 to be relegated from the Premier League and although goals will still need to be scored, keeping clean sheets may be a more pressing concern.

The only time they have kept the opposition out thus far was in their solitary win over Tottenham and more of these could help them climb the standings.

Problems defending set pieces has been largely noticeable at West Ham this season and Avram Grant will want to work on this on the training ground ahead of their home game against fellow relegation candidates Blackpool.

West Ham are 10/11 to beat Blackpool in a game that pits the two worst defences in the Premier League against each other.

However, Blackpool have also found ways to score with 19 goals in 12 games and they have also netted four goals in their last two outings.

A high-scoring game is almost guaranteed to ensue and it is 14/5 that Blackpool take the three points.

West Ham’s record at home against last season’s promoted teams has not been the best so far, as they followed up on a defeat by Newcastle by drawing with West Brom. See the full West Ham vs Blackpool match betting odds market.