Millwall and West Ham are set to meet at the Den this weekend for the first time in 14 years, reigniting one of English football's most intense rivalries. The fixture, which ended in a 2-2 draw on 19 September, marks the 100th competitive meeting between the sides if minor tournaments are included. Looking ahead, Millwall's next fixture after this historic clash is a trip to face Preston North End.

Alex Neil, the Millwall manager, acknowledged the challenge ahead. "Millwall came close to winning automatic promotion last season but have injuries and are 10th after an inconsistent start," he told reporters. The team currently sits 12th in the Championship with 10 points from seven games, a position that puts them four points behind league leaders West Ham.

A history marked by tension

Past encounters have been marred by serious disorder. The most glaring example came in August 2009 during a League Cup match at Upton Park, where a 44-year-old man was stabbed outside the stadium, riot police struggled to maintain order, and play was suspended after home supporters invaded the pitch. Historical tensions run deep, with a Millwall fan named Ian Pratt dying after a clash with West Ham fans at New Cross station in 1976. In March 2004, police horses were on the pitch at the Den when West Ham fans rioted during a 4-1 defeat.

Roots in local identity

The rivalry's origins lie not in football but in the industrial history of east London. Both clubs were formed by rival shipbuilding firms on the Isle of Dogs, embedding a tribal conflict that has persisted for generations. While Crystal Palace and Charlton are considered more obvious local rivals for Millwall, the fixture with West Ham carries a unique weight of history and identity.

Context for the clash

Millwall approach the game with a five-match unbeaten home run against West Ham dating back to 1988. Their recent form, however, has been mixed, with one win, two draws and two losses in their last five outings. The team's 13 goals scored and 13 conceded this season reflect their inconsistent start. West Ham, in contrast, arrive on a four-game winning run in the league and top the table after a 6-0 victory last weekend. The Metropolitan Police will have measures in place to keep the 1,774 away fans separate, using a dedicated walkway from South Bermondsey station. For a full view of the season's schedule, fans can check the official fixtures page.

Since the Second World War, the teams have met only 18 times in the league, with the sole season both were in the top flight being 1988-89. Millwall stayed up that year while West Ham were relegated. The Lions also rose to the occasion after West Ham's relegation in 2003, reaching the FA Cup final in 2004 and recording two wins and two draws against them before Alan Pardew led the Hammers back to the Premier League.

Read the full report at The Guardian Football