West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce is eager to avoid a slow start to the new season.

The Hammers lost their opening four matches two years ago and never recovered as they suffered relegation to the Championship.

"The first nine games up to Manchester City are ones we must try to achieve as many points as we can. It will be hugely difficult but not as difficult as what follows," he told the club's official website.

"We get through October and then November and December are the toughest months of the season, not only because of the fixtures but the number of games we have to play.

"We've got to get off to get off to a flying start and achieve as many points as we can in the first nine or 10 games. The fixtures are difficult though; nothing is going to be easy at all."