Alex Neil has challenged West Ham United to cope with the atmosphere at The Den when the Hammers face Millwall on Saturday.
The Championship rivals meet competitively for the first time since 2012, with the fixture also representing the 100th competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Millwall enter the derby with significant injury and fatigue problems, but Neil insists his depleted squad will give everything against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Lions boss also questioned how West Ham will react to the environment awaiting them in South London.
Alex Neil questions how West Ham will handle The Den
Neil told Southwark News that the occasion carries enormous importance for everyone connected with Millwall.
“It’ll be interesting to see how West Ham handle The Den and different things like that,” Neil said.
He added: “What I will guarantee is our lads will leave absolutely everything on the pitch as they always do.”
The comments provide another reminder that Saturday’s match will present a very different challenge from West Ham’s recent Championship victories.
Nuno’s team have won four consecutive league games and scored 20 goals across their opening seven fixtures.
Read West Ham has already examined how West Ham can challenge a Championship scoring benchmark against Millwall.
The Den, though, will provide an added emotional and physical test.
Millwall promise fight despite injury problems
Neil admitted Millwall are not entering the fixture in their ideal condition.
The Lions have been dealing with a long injury list while also completing four consecutive midweek fixtures.
That workload led Neil to admit several players were “running on empty” before facing West Ham.
Despite those problems, the manager has no intention of allowing his players to treat the derby as an ordinary Championship match.
Neil said there would be “a lot of tension” and “a lot of passion”, while stressing the importance of keeping cool heads and preventing the occasion from boiling over.
Millwall defender Caleb Taylor has echoed that message.
Taylor said the Lions plan to “up the intensity” against West Ham and be aggressive when Nuno’s side arrive at The Den.
West Ham therefore know exactly what to expect.
The Hammers may possess the stronger early-season form, but Neil is clearly hoping the derby atmosphere can help Millwall reduce that advantage.
Saturday will reveal whether West Ham can answer his challenge.
