West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has sent a warning to Arsenal saying that his clubs early start to the season will give them the jump up on their London rivals.
With the Hammers involved in Europa League qualifiers they could have already played six competitive games before they travel to the Emirates for the opening game of the Premier League season against Arsenal on August 9th .
“It’s good for the start, definitely,” Bilic said.
“The best examples are from your own history, not from the books, the experience you have. I only have to look at last year when we played with Besiktas, we played Arsenal in the Champions League play-off.
“We were fitter than them. We had already played Feyenoord in the previous round and we were fitter. Arsenal had only played the Community Shield and Crystal Palace and we were already in the season.
“It gives you a definite advantage in the beginning of the season. What about November, December or Christmas time, which is already so tough here? We’re going to try to be aware of all the situations.”
