"I predict the two sides finishing very close together, with West Ham in sevenths and Newcastle fifth, but I am hoping we can surprise a few people as Newcastle did last year.
"Our away form has got to be better and I think Glenn, who has got things organised, will do it.
"If you start getting results you can get on a roll, and that is what Newcastle did last year.
"In the end it nearly caught up with them but they stumbled over the line as it were.
"The main thing is for us is that we have a bit of luck with injuries - and suspensions."
Of the match which kicks off West Ham's Premiership season, he adds:
"It is awful for the fans with it being on a Monday but I think that is the Premiership's least consideration; with the huge amounts of money they are getting, but at least a lot of fans will see it on TV.
"Newcastle have had one more competitive game than us, in the Champions' League.
"You just have to look at last year's form - we are looking at two sides who are evenly matched."