West Ham’s season is a long way from mirroring the success of last season’s achievements. Ahead of their clash with Manchester United, Bilic must answer some of his critics by solving some of the team’s on-going issues that they have been suffering all season.
The move to the iconic London Stadium has not had the positive effect the club’s owners and supporters were hoping for. Their struggles to discover some consistency also remains a huge cause for concern.
Fans’ discontent is evident with the disappointment of the club’s recent form, evidently aggrieving the fans who have the Hammers’ best interests at heart.
This weekend, West Ham face the unenviable task of beating Manchester United at Old Trafford – something they haven’t managed since May 2007.
For the Hammers to beat United, Bilic must solve some ongoing issues with the team, and these four problems should be at the top of the Croatian’s list…
Who should start in goal?
Spanish goalkeeper Adrian has been the club’s number one goalkeeper for the past three seasons, but as of late, the former Betis stopper has become prone to mistakes.
On Sunday, Darren Randolph replaced Adrian between the sticks, and the Ireland international has deserved his chance to shine for the East Londoners.
Against United, Bilic must decide who is more deserving of their starting position and give whomever that may be the required vote of confidence.
Learn to keep a clean sheet
The Hammers’ main downfall this season has been the club’s inability to remain tight and compact in defensive situations – hence their 17th position in the league table.
The Hammers have only been able to conjure up three clean sheets in twelve games and now boast the second worst defence in the Premier League.
Winston Reid is to miss the visit to Old Trafford due to his dismissal at White Hart Lane, which further decreases the possibility of a clean sheet in Manchester.
Get his strikers firing on all cylinders
Last Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham saw the Irons score two goals in a Premier League game for the first time since September 17th.
Bilic’s miss firing forward line has proved a major cause for concern, despite spending a small fortune on his strikers this summer.
Zaza’s inability to score, added with Andre Ayew’s injury problems, means Bilic faces the difficult task of ensuring his forward line have their striking boots on in Old Trafford, other an upset will even more unlikely.
Take the pressure off Payet
There’s a growing concern among the Hammers faithful that unless Dimitri Payet produces top quality performances, the Hammers fail to deliver a victory.
On the contrary, not many can deny the impact Payet has upon Bilic’s team, but the Frenchman continues to drag the Irons through stressful situations too regularly for them to challenge for European football once more.
Against United, it provides the perfect opportunity for someone to step up and make a mark on the team.