Which ‘James’ should West Ham opt for?

Those of a positive nature will focus on the age-old football adage that scoring plenty of goals usually wins you a game.

The more conservative fan will point to the fact that if the team keeps a clean sheet, they certainly can’t lose.

With the general good feeling around West Ham at the moment, much of the buzz has revolved around acquiring an attacking influence to secure all three points each week.

But there remains an equally pressing issue to resolve in defence, and that is who from our current crop will play across the back.

When Sam Allardyce joined the club, he made it clear that defensive stability was his key aim, and was the foundation he would build any success upon.

He brought in players who were battle hardened and ready to scrap.

From those focused, if not entertaining, values, finally flourished Winston Reid, whose ability at the top level had, initially, been questioned.

He grew into the first choice centre back, and his week-on-week consistency rightly earned him last season’s Hammer of the Year award.

So presuming it is a given he is in the starting XI, the choices left to partner him are the two James’, Tomkins and Collins.

The latter was the preferred choice upon his re-signing from Aston Villa. He was immense at times, but also made some costly slips, which made some sections doubt his reliability.

It was recognised that Tomkins jeopardised his place in the team by taking part in the Great Britain Olympic squad and missing preseason with the club.

When he was called upon though for West Ham, he put in some notable performances and showed signs of his undoubted talent. The 24-year-old has taken part in a full preseason this time around, which should give him an edge in terms of securing a starting spot come the home game against Cardiff.

The signing of Răzvan Rat should provide the general experience and leadership at the back to marshal those around him. It is a mantle he can take on ahead of Collins, leaving the position free at the back for Tomkins to fill.

Collins is a superb player to have as part of the squad, and provides very real competition for places.

But the pairing of Reid and Tomkins is one that could be a mainstay for many seasons to come, and one that can work to ensure we’re not losing, even if we’re not firing up top.