West Ham United today found out that their early start to the season will kick off with their two-legged UEFA Europa League affair with Andorran side FC Lusitans with the two legs taking part on the 2nd and 9th of July respectively.
First glimpse into life with Bilić
FC Lusitans will provide an early foresight into how Slaven Bilić, the new West Ham manager will set up his side. Formations, tactics and personnel. Who will Bilić entrust to get the club into the Group Stages? Who will be made captain of the club under Bilic? Will the 4-5-1, come 4-3-3 employed under Sam Allardyce be utilised?
Many are hoping for a more free-flowing style, for a new captain and, in general, more entertaining football. It will be tough for Bilić to acquire and enforce all of these things when the players have only just returned to training. 10 days after being welcomed by their new manager, and a few new faces, they will travel to Andorra to try and collectively get the club into the Group Stages.
The Opponents
FC Lusitans themselves have been in the Europa League before, however, it hasn't ever gone very well for the club who have only been formed for an astonishing 16 years. West Ham better that feat by a mere 104 years, with the East London outfit having been formed in 1895.
The club play in Andorra's only football ground, Aixovall Community Stadium, which holds a tiny 900. Bizarrely, the ground is where all of the Andorran top division teams play too. One thing is for sure, those West Ham fans hoping to follow the team in Andorra will have to be quick off the mark to get themselves tickets.
Who next?
If the Hammers are able to pass through the Andorran minnows, then they would face either Maltese or Armenian opponents in Birkirkara or Ulisses respectively. Both clubs have qualified for the qualifying rounds of the Europa League previously, so know the trial and tribulations well.
This two-legged tie would take place on the 16th and 23rd of July - meaning the club would have played at least four competitive games before the Premier League season has even begun. Something, that the club will have to cope with throughout the long season ahead.