West Ham v Millwall Preview

Posted on | February 4, 2012 | No Comments

This fixture is seen as one of the fiercest football fixtures on the calendar, with this mainly due to the perception of the game through the Green Street film. On a more factual basis, both of these clubs approach this encounter desperately needing points for different reasons. Having recently taken over at the top of the table, West Ham are looking to extend their lead while Millwall have problems at the other end of the division, with Kenny Jackett’s side currently sat just one place above the drop zone.

It would be fair to say that West Ham’s campaign has gone exactly as everyone planned, with the Hammers currently sat in 1st position following an accumulation of fifty three points. However, their position is anything but secure, with just three points separating them from 3rd place and two points from 2nd. Prior to a few days ago, form of the Upton Park outfit was superb. However, the Hammers were hit by a shock 5-1 defeat to Ipswich in their last clash and it now remains to be seen how they respond to such a setback. On a more positive note, Sam Allardyce’s side have won their last three games at home, which should certainly make their supporters feel a little more confident about this derby.

Millwall really did hit rock bottom several weeks ago after the Lions were thrashed 6-0 by Birmingham. However, after proceeding to thrash Dagenham & Redbridge in the FA Cup and then recording a victory over Barnsley and a draw against Southampton, many thought that Kenny Jackett’s men had turned their campaign around. Unfortunately, the club were hit by another defeat in their latest game, after Watford came and grabbed a 2-0 victory at the New Den. Such a result means that the club are now just one point above the drop zone, although they at least have a cushion of five points. However, some of their supporters will not be too optimistic ahead of this game, with the Lions on a run that has seen them win just once on the road in their last seven.

As for team news, Sam Allardyce has several more options after Ricardo Vaz Te, Nicky Maynard and Ravel Morrison joined the club on transfer deadline day. Following the Hammers’ last result, there is a big chance that all three could make their debuts. Millwall also have a new player available for selection, after Andy Keogh joined the club on deadline day. Elsewhere, after successfully recovering from a thigh problem, Paul Robinson could return for the Lions.

This fixture is certainly a difficult one to predict, especially after West Ham’s last game. There is no doubt that the encounter is going to be fiery and bearing all of the statistics in mind, we think it will end in a battling 2-2 draw.

Related posts:

1. Millwall v West Ham Preview
2. Millwall v QPR Preview
3. Millwall v Derby Preview
4. Millwall v Watford Preview
5. Barnsley v Millwall Preview

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