Parker's defence strategy

Scott Parker is well aware that West Ham United need to tighten up as a team if they are to turn solid performances into positive results.

Four times this season, the Hammers have gone ahead in a Barclays Premier League fixture. The haul from those four games has been just three points - gathered from draws at Stoke City and Birmingham City and at home to West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening.

"I think at the moment that's us really [the performance in drawing 2-2 with West Brom]," said Parker. "We went behind, then we got back in the game, we were in the lead and then we let a sloppy goal in. You don't mind goals going in that are 40-yard screamers but when someone gets free three yards out from the goal then you mind it. That's just the way it is at the moment.

"Everyone, as a team, just needs to be more defensive-minded. When we get into a winning position, we need to see out the game. At the moment we are struggling to do that.

"Over the last few weeks we've picked up some good results. Obviously if we can turn the draws into wins, we are close but, when you are in the position that we are in the moment, things seems to go in the other way instead of going in your favour.

"On Wednesday we were to blame because we should win and the same against Birmingham as well. We've got to keep digging in and hopefully we will get the results."

Looking forward to the weekend, West Ham - who have lost just twice in ten matches - face a Blackpool side who have done well in the Premier League, but have allowed more goals against than any other side.

The Tangerines have conceded 26 times in 12 matches to West Ham's 22, suggesting a goal-fest could be in order on Saturday.

"It's a big game," added Parker. "I think every game we play at home is going to be a very big game, as it will be away from home. We need to go in now and we need to take the three points to move up in the table.

"We have to be confident and we have to believe that we are trying to do things, and hopefully we are to turn around the corner with results. Like I said, if we could turn the draws into wins, it would be massive for us."