At one stage this season, West Ham had the best defensive record outside the so-called big-four - but then they suffered three consecutive 4-0 defeats.

In their last five matches, the Hammers have conceded seven times in the first 20 minutes and nine times in the first 25 minutes.

Against Blackburn they bounced back to win 2-1 and last weekend secured a draw at Everton after falling behind.

But Curbishley is fed up of playing catch-up and he has challenged the Hammers to set the early pace against Sunderland this weekend.

He said: "We came into March knowing we had an extremely tough month with Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs, Blackburn and Everton all in the top positions and we've been 1-0 down early in all five games. Against Spurs we went two down.

"We said up at Everton 'can we be nice and solid for the first 10 or 15 minutes' only to find ourselves 1-0 down again.

"It is something we've been talking about and hoping to improve on. It would be nice for us to go into the lead, because we've had to come back in the last two games, and see what happens then."

It is no coincidence West Ham's poor run at the back has coincided in part with the loss of key defender Matthew Upson to a calf injury.

Upson has been like a rock for West Ham this season and his form at Upton Park earned him a recall into the England squad.

With Danny Gabbidon and James Collins also out, Curbishley has had to turn to utility defender Jonathan Spector and then 18-year-old debutant James Tomkins to fill the void.

But with West Ham safe in midtable, Curbishley is prepared to keep blooding the youngsters.

If Upson is still out this weekend, Tomkins could keep his place and end a heady week that began at Goodison Park and continued with two goals for the England Under-19s against Russia on Wednesday night.

West Ham's teenage striker Freddie Sears has also made his mark - scoring on his debut against Blackburn and hitting the post late on against Everton - but is a doubt for the trip to Sunderland with a groin injury.

But Curbishley does have Bobby Zamora back after he missed the Everton game with blistered feet.

Curbishley expects to face a Sunderland side built in the image of their manager Roy Keane - determined, hard-working and relentless - as they attempt to avoid relegation.

That was epitomised by their 1-0 win at Aston Villa last weekend, and Curbishley said: "That result has given them a big lift. We're expecting a tough game."

Keane has spent £44million on new players since Sunderland won promotion and critics argue he has not invested well given the Black Cats are only four points from the relegation zone.

But Curbishley believes Sunderland's only priority is survival and that investment will prove worthwhile if they can lay foundations in the Premier League ready for next season.

"I'm sure they may have had higher expectations this year when you talk about the money they've spent. But if they can stay up, they can push on," said Curbishley.

"I think any side that gets promoted has a big challenge. Everyone sees survival as the first base.

"Sunderland came in all guns blazing. (Chairman) Niall Quinn and his board have backed it completely. They have invested heavily.

"I think they would look at survival this year as a success and they can build on that.

"They will become more attractive next year and the backing won't go away with the people involved.

"It's vitally important they stay up this year. I think Roy won't have enjoyed being down the bottom with every game under pressure but it's all part of his learning curve.

"He's had an unbelievable couple of seasons. If they stay up, that's success."