Bilic: Iceland can lead to hot Hammers start

Just eight days before the start of the new Premier League season, West Ham will face Manchester City in Iceland and boss Slaven Bilic is adamant the friendly will be the perfect preparation.

Following training camps in Austria and Germany, including a double-header against Werder Bremen, the Hammers will complete their pre-season with the clash at Laugardalsvöllur, which is Iceland’s national football stadium in Reykjavik.

A little more than a week later, Bilic’s troops will travel to the Citizens’ cross-city rivals Manchester United for their league opener.

City and West Ham will become the first Premier League duo to square off in Iceland and the boss is already relishing the occasion, which he is convinced will also benefit his side greatly.

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“It is fantastic that we will make history by becoming the first Premier League clubs to face each other in Iceland,” said Bilic.

“And we are really looking forward to visiting Scandinavia, where there is a very big West Ham following.

“Iceland captured the imagination of everyone with their fantastic performance at the European Championships last year and, although the country is small in population, they have a huge love for football.

“It is also the perfect fixture for City and ourselves, because we have great respect for each other and will both be looking for the same positives from the game, in terms of fitness and preparation for the start of the Premier League season a week later.”