Milwall vs West Ham United - More than just football

Thanks to Lexi Alexander’s cult film *Green Street Hooligans*, released in 2005, the world was once again introduced to the West Ham–Millwall rivalry. In many countries and cities around the world, there are rivalries rooted in very stark divisions such as ethnic origin, class differences and religious differences. The rivalry between these two teams – founded by shipyard workers on either side of the River Thames in London – dates back to the 1920s and is considered one of the fiercest and bloodiest in the world. Whilst workers from West Ham in the east took part in the General Strike of 1926, those from Millwall in the south did not. Ever since that day, West Ham United supporters have viewed Millwall supporters as strike-breakers. Since the 1960s, the rivalry has been fuelled in an organised manner by hooligan groups. Although the two sides rarely have the chance to face each other – as West Ham are generally in the top flight whilst Millwall are in the lower leagues – West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship last season, having finished 18th, has meant that the two teams will be in the same league this season. The prospect of the two sides facing each other for the first time in 14 years brings with it both excitement and great concern.

The path back is open for West Ham United

After being relegated from the Premier League to the Championship, West Ham United generated transfer revenue of nearly 200 million pounds through player sales. Although they spent only a quarter of this money on new signings, they retained their manager and kept their squad as intact as possible. Having failed to win their first three Championship matches, the blue-and-reds went on to secure a four-match winning streak that saw them join the leaders at the top of the table; it would come as no surprise to anyone if they return to the Premier League at the end of the season. Espirito Santo’s side, who have scored 16 goals in their last four matches, could prove almost impossible to predict if they replicate that form on Saturday. Having faced each other 99 times to date, the 100th meeting between these two sides will be a day well worth the 14-year wait.

Millwall v West Ham United match tickets

Millwall, who started the Championship with two wins from their first two matches, managed just one victory in the following four weeks and are currently mid-table. Winning the Dockers’ Derby on their home ground would mean far more to them than just a victory; it would also bring them a good deal closer to the top of the table. If you want to experience every moment of this clash – which thousands of people have been eagerly awaiting for 14 years – you can buy your tickets from Seatpin.