West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has said that his side will reap the benefits of their early start in the Europa League in their Premier League opener against Arsenal.

The Hammers began their campaign on July 2 against FC Lusitanos and will play further matches against Birkirkara before they begin their campaign in the top flight.

Bilic feels that his team will be more prepared for the pace of the new Premier League season due to his experience of early starts with Besiktas in the Champions League last year.

He told reporters: "It's good for the start, definitely. 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. So we're going to try be aware of all the situations."

West Ham are in action later today against Birkirkara.