WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Tuesday night's Carling Cup
second-round tie
25.08.2009
West Ham United v Millwall
Carling Cup
Boleyn Ground
Tuesday 25 August 2009
7.45pm
Referee: Paul Taylor
whufc.com - Live text updates I WHUTV - Live audio commentary
Introduction
• West Ham United will play their second consecutive London derby when
League One outfit Millwall make the short trip north for Tuesday's Carling
Cup second round tie. On Sunday, the Hammers lost out 2-1 at home to
Tottenham Hotspur.
• It will be the two sides' first meeting in the competition and only their
second in a major cup competition ever. West Ham hold the bragging rights
after winning an FA Cup fifth-round tie 4-1 on February 1930. For more on
that match, see the Millwall matchday programme - along with exclusives with
Junior Stanislas, Mauricio Taricco, Julien Faubert and much, much more.
• Both sides have struggled in the League Cup in recent years. Indeed the
furthest either side have gone in the last seven years is the
quarter-finals, when the Hammers were knocked out by Everton in 2007/08.
Millwall will be hoping to reach the third round for the first time in four
years.
• The winners of the tie will be entered into Saturday lunchtime's
third-round draw, which will be televised on Sky Sports. The next round is
due to be played in the week commencing Monday 21 September.
• The teams last met in the Championship on 16 April 2005.
The lineups were:
West Ham United: Walker, Repka, Ferdinand, Ward, Powell, Newton (Zamora 80),
Reo-Coker, Noble, Etherington, Sheringham, Harewood Subs not used: Bywater,
Fletcher, Mullins, Chadwick
Millwall: Marshall, Muscat, Phillips, Lawrence, Darren Ward, Livermore,
Sweeney, Morris (Simpson 78), Elliott, Dichio, Hayles (Ifill 63)
Subs not used: Wise, May, Craig
• This is the 23rd meeting between the sides in all competitions. West Ham
have won eight and drawn ten of the fixtures.
West Ham United
• West Ham United have started their Barclays Premier League season with a
win and a draw. An impressive 2-0 win on the opening day of the campaign was
followed by a narrow 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
• West Ham started their League Cup campaign strongly last season, with a
4-1 win over Macclesfield Town on 27 August. Carlton Cole and Zavon Hines,
on his debut, were among the scorers.
• The Hammers were then knocked out in the next round when they lost 1-0 at
Watford on 23 September in what was Gianfranco Zola's second game in charge.
A Hayden Mullins own goal won the game for the hosts that night.
• Three players, Mark Noble, Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have got on the
scoresheet for the Hammers so far this season. Cole was last season's top
scorer with 12 goals in all competitions.
• West Ham United - in 1966 and 1981 to West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool
respectively - have twice reached the League Cup final but have never
triumphed.
• Gianfranco Zola said: "This is a competition that gives teams the chance
to play a final at Wembley and also provides an opportunity to qualify for
European football. We are going to be up for it and also because it is a
special fixture for both clubs. Hopefully above everything else it will be a
good game of football that finishes in our favour."
• After tonight's cup tie, two away trips in the league follow with
Blackburn Rovers on Saturday 29 August and Wigan Athletic on 12 September.
• The Hammers finished last season in ninth in the Barclays Premier League
with 51 points, a place and two points higher than they managed in the
previous season. They were level on points with eight-placed Tottenham.
• Carlton Cole was West Ham's leading scorer last season with ten Premier
League goals, one in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.
• Robert Green topped the appearance charts for the last campaign, playing
every minute of every Premier League game. He has played 90 consecutive
top-flight matches and last missed a first-team fixture at this stage of the
League Cup last season.
• James Collins celebrated his 26th birthday on Sunday.
Last time out
West Ham United
Barclays Premier League, Sunday 23 August
West Ham United 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Green, Faubert, Upson, Collins,
Spector, Parker (Hines 85), Noble, Collison (Nouble 89, Stanislas, Jimenez
(Kovac 78), Cole
Subs unused: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Payne
Goal: Cole 49
Millwall
• Millwall were comprehensive winners in the first round of this year's
competition. The Lions defeated Bournemouth 4-0 at the New Den on the 11
August. Striker Neil Harris had a particularly fruitful night, getting three
of the goals.
• Millwall have started their League One season with three draws and a win.
After drawing with Southampton and Carlisle United, the Lions beat Oldham
Athletic 2-0 before a goalless draw with Southend United on Friday night. In
the four games, they have conceded just one goal. They are eighth in the
table.
• Millwall's dreams of Wembley will be fuelled by last season's League One
play-off final when they lost 3-2 to Scunthorpe United at the famous
stadium.
• Kenny Jackett said: "It's a massive game and one we are looking forward
to. We've earned it, it's fantastic to go and play a Premier League team and
if we get things right and play above our level then you never know."
• Millwall's best League Cup performance is reaching the last eight, which
they have done on three previous occasions. The first two quarter-final
dates came in the 1970s - namely 1973/74 and 1976/77 - before they got to
the same stage in 1994/95.
• Millwall's last victory against a Premier League club came when they beat
Everton on 4 October 1995 - also in the League Cup second round.
Last time out
Coca-Cola Championship, 21 August 2009
Southend 0-0 Millwall
Millwall: Forde, Smith, Frampton, Craig, Friend, Bolder, Fuseini, Laird
(Hackett 58), Price (Harris 46), Alexander, Martin
Subs not used: Grimes, Barron, Sullivan, Dunne
Referee
• Tuesday's referee will be Paul Taylor. The 50-year-old took charge of the
Ipswich-Preston match on the opening day of the new Championship season,
having previously officiated in UEFA Champions League qualifying and FIFA
international fixtures.
Head to head
• West Ham United have not won in the last six competitive meetings between
the clubs, all of which have come in the Championship.
• The Hammers' last victory came on 24 February 1991 with a 3-1 win at home
in the old Second Division. Frank McAvennie scored twice.
• Millwall forward Gary Alexander came through the Hammers Academy under the
guidance of Tony Carr. He left in 2000 having not played a first team game
and joined Millwall in 2007.
• Irish goalkeeper David Forde spent two years at West Ham between 2002 and
2004 but never featured in the first team. He moved to Millwall a year ago
and became an automatic first choice.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are: Harry Cripps,
Lawrie Leslie, Jim Standen, Brian Dear, Paul Allen, Paul Goddard, Tony
Cottee, Teddy Sheringham, Neil Ruddock and Lucas Neill, while Billy Bonds
and Pat Holland have both formed part of the Lions' management in recent
years.
Last six meetings
16 April 2005 - West Ham United 1-1 Millwall
21 November 2004 - Millwall 1-0 West Ham United
21 March 2004 - Millwall 4-1 West Ham United
28 September 2003 - West Ham United 1-1 Millwall
28 March 1993 - West Ham United 2-2 Millwall
15 November 1992 - Millwall 2-1 West Ham United
Overall record v Millwall (all competitions) W 8 D 10 L 5
Team news
• Gianfranco Zola will be without Herita Ilunga because of a fractured jaw.
The left-back was initially thought to have escaped relatively unhurt from a
clash of heads at Wolves but subsequent examination by club doctors and
further tests revealed the extent of his problem. He is doubtful for
Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers.
• Zola has several choices to replace him including Jonathan Spector who
filled in against Tottenham. The 18-year-old Fabio Daprela, a Swiss Under-19
international, is also standing by while Danny Gabbidon could also get his
first competitive club appearance for 18 months by moving over from his
usual centre-back berth.
• Frank Nouble made his home debut on Sunday and is pushing for a start in
attack alongside Zavon Hines, who scored at this stage of the competition
last season.
• James Tomkins, like Gabbidon, is also eager to dislodge either Matthew
Upson or James Collins in the centre of defence.
• A trio of other Academy products who have performed well in pre-season
could be in the frame led by Josh Payne who made two appearances in 2008/09
as well as Oliver Lee and Anthony Edgar who both joined the first-team
training camp in Austria.
• Long-term absentees Luis Boa Morte (knee) and Dean Ashton (ankle) will
miss out.
• Switzerland midfielder Behrami is back in training at Chadwell Heath after
the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered against Manchester City on 1
March. It is hoped he will join in fully with the first team later this
week.
• Dixon is also progressing well and has started full training with the
reserves.
• Nadjim Abdou and Steve Morison are both sidelined for the Lions. Abdou has
missed the last three matches with a hip problem while forward Morison, the
Lions' £130,000 summer recruit from Stevenage, has a hamstring strain.
• Also missing are Zak Whitbread (hip), Paul Robinson (metatarsal), Pat
O'Connor (cruciate) and Danny Senda (achilles).
• Chris Hackett is a doubt because of a recent groin injury although he did
make an appearance as a substitute in the draw at Southend last Friday.
Travel information
• For directions for the Boleyn Ground, click here
General information
• For ticket news, click here.
• Tuesday night's weather forecast is for a mild night with temperatures
reaching 17C.
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Zola ready for 'special' night
WHUFC.com
The cup meeting with Millwall is the first step on an important road ,
according to Gianfranco Zola
25.08.2009
Gianfranco Zola will send his side out to take on Millwall at the Boleyn
Ground on Tuesday night mindful of the many incentives on offer for Carling
Cup success.
As well as the chance for the eventual winners to write their name into the
history books by lifting the famous trophy, there is the chance to play a
major showpiece final and the opportunity to enter the UEFA Europa League.
That said, Zola is well aware of the considerable threat Millwall pose to
the Hammers' dreams of glory come the season end.
"I won this competition as a player and it was a big moment in my career.
Cup matches are fantastic and have a special atmosphere. We are ready, we
are professional and we care about the competition. We'll try to do our best
as the Carling Cup is very important. We will play and honour the tradition
of the competition properly
"This is a competition that gives teams the chance to play a final at
Wembley and also provides an opportunity to qualify for European football.
We are going to be up for it and also because it is a special fixture for
both clubs. Hopefully above everything else it will be a good game of
football that finishes in our favour."
It remains to be seen whether Zola will make many changes from the Sunday's
team with some talented youngsters pushing hard for inclusion, including
weekend substitutes Zavon Hines and Frank Nouble along with left-back Fabio
Daprela, who has yet to make his debut. Generally, an experienced lineup is
expected, although Kieron Dyer will not figure until Blackburn Rovers at the
weekend at the earliest.
"Obviously this game comes very soon after the Tottenham match so I will
have to assess the condition of the squad but it will be a strong team as we
want only to reach the third round."
The magnitude of the match with supporters is not lost on Zola who is
expecting "a heated game" on the pitch but is also aware that the fans "will
expect nothing less than our best". He added: "We are ready, we are
professional, we care about the competition and we'll try to do our best."
* West Ham United can confirm that midfielder Jack Collison has suffered a
family bereavement. The club's thoughts are with Jack and his family and we
are sure all fans share those sentiments.
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Clarke keyed up for derby
WHUFC.com
The first-team coach said the significance of this evening's Carling Cup
date is not lost on the squad
25.08.2009
Steve Clarke said all at West Ham United are aware of the expectation from
fans ahead of the Carling Cup second-round tie with Millwall on Tuesday
night.
The first-team coach said there was a determination to put on a good
performance and book a place in the draw for the next stage, and not just to
make up for Sunday's disappointment against Tottenham Hotspur. In that
contest, the Hammers took a deserved lead only for defensive lapses to allow
Spurs to battle back for a 2-1 win.
"It is good in a way that the game has come so quickly because we can get
the disappointment of Sunday out of our system. It is another game but it is
another game where we and the players realise how important it is to our
supporters," Clarke said.
"You have to take away the disappointment [of Sunday]. It is a game we
didn't deserve to lose. We played very well so we look at all the positives
and try to take that into the next game and we are looking for the right
result. The main thing is that we make sure that we are in the draw for the
next round.
There will be no chance of West Ham taking their visitors lightly, despite
their League One status. "Millwall are a good team," Clarke said. "They
reached the play-offs last season and only lost in the final to Scunthorpe,
having had a great result in the semi-finals.
"They are used to success and winning matches but we are prepared. Kevin
Keen has been to watch them and I have been to watch them so we don't take
them lightly. We understand the threat they can cause us so we look forward
to the game. It is another local derby and it should be a good atmosphere."
Also in the visitors' favour is the fact they have had an extra two days to
prepare for the match but Clarke knows the favourites' tag rests very much
on the home side who will field "a strong squad". He added: "It is a short
recovery time. Millwall have had since Friday night to recover so I am sure
they will be fresh and up for the game.
"West Ham United have to take every game seriously. We are a big club and we
must always look to do well in the cup competitions. We have the squad that
we have, I don't think we have any fresh injuries. Everybody is fit and
available with the probable exception of Kieron Dyer who was out at the
weekend."
Gianfranco Zola may well decide to rest a couple of players to aid their
fitness and also provide a chance for a couple of those who have been in and
around it since the season began. "We have a young bench anyway because we
don't carry a big squad," Clarke added. "We don't have an overload of senior
players.
"The young boys will get their chance whether it is in the Carling Cup or
over the course of the season. They know that if they keep working hard and
keep working well, they will get an opportunity."
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West Ham v Millwall
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Carling Cup
19:45
Venue: Upton Park Date: Tuesday, 25 August 2009 Kick-off: 1945 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 live, BBC local radio & highlights
on The League Cup Show
TEAM NEWS
West Ham's injury problems mean that Carlton Cole is their only recognised
striker available for this game. Kieron Dyer is carrying a knock and is
doubtful, while Herita Ilunga is out with an injured jaw.
Millwall midfielder Nadjim Abdou has a hip injury and will miss out along
with striker Steve Morison, who has been sidelined by a hamstring problem.
Winger Chris Hackett has been carrying a groin strain but should be passed
fit to play at Upton Park.
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham against Millwall is a derby to match the intensity of any of the
fierce rivalries in football that seem to be better documented than this
one.
There is no love lost between these clubs. And whatever division they have
found themselves in over the years, matches between the sides are eagerly
anticipated by both sets of supporters.
That means not taking the Carling Cup seriously is now definitely not an
option for West Ham.
Millwall, meanwhile, will relish the short trip to Upton Park and the chance
to upset their old foes on their own patch.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• This is the 25th time these two great rivals have played against each
other. The Hammers have won eight of the previous 24 games, the Lions six
and 10 have been drawn.
• They have never met in the League Cup.
West Ham
• West Ham have reached the third round in each of the last seven years but
have only progressed beyond it once, when they reached the quarter-finals in
2007/08.
• Manager Gianfranco Zola won the League Cup as a player with Chelsea in
1998.
Millwall
• A win for Millwall would put them into the third round of the League Cup
for the first time in four years.
• Lions forward Neil Harris was one of three players to bag a hat-trick in
the first round. The others were QPR's Wayne Routledge and Grant Holt of
Norwich.
• Millwall's first-round win against Bournemouth was Kenny Jackett's first
League Cup win as a manager in 13 years.
• The club has not had a League Cup victory over a Premier league club since
beating Everton in 1995/96.
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West Ham United v Millwall: Preview
ESPN
Updated: August 24, 2009, 4:28 PM UK
West Ham midfielder Kieron Dyer is set to miss the Carling Cup clash against
Millwall with tightness to a leg muscle. Herita Ilunga is a doubt with a jaw
injury and Jonathan Spector could deputise, while James Tomkins is ready to
return from a foot problem. Dean Ashton (ankle), Luis Boa Morte (knee) and
Valon Behrami (ankle) are out, while Calum Davenport is in intensive care
after being stabbed in both legs. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola insists he
cannot afford to rest players for the clash while the club works on
targeting signings. Zola's only senior frontline striker is Carlton Cole,
with technical director Gianluca Nani and chief executive Scott Duxbury
looking to add at least one more forward before the transfer window closes.
Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh has "rejected'' a move to Upton Park but the
Hammers are understood to still be working on the deal, while Lazio's Goran
Pandev and Livorno's Alessandro Diamanti have been linked in Italy with
playing for Zola. For now, Zola is short on numbers ahead of what he expects
to be hostile atmosphere when they face Millwall. "If I rest players, I've
got nobody to play with,'' he said. "I don't think we're in a position where
we can rest many players. We will try to present a team that can do the
job.''
A heavy police presence is anticipated for the second-round clash between
the bitter rivals. "I don't have a background in the match, but they tell me
it's a game that they have suggested I don't come to by walking to the
stadium,'' Zola joked. "It's going to be, obviously, a very heated game. We
are ready, we are professional, we care about the competition and we'll try
to do our best.''
Millwall head to their rivals without injured duo Nadjim Abdou and Steve
Morison. Midfielder Abdou has yet to recover from the hip injury which has
kept him out of the last three games and striker Morison, the Lions'
£130,000 summer signing from Stevenage, is out with a hamstring strain. They
join long-term absentees Zak Whitbread (hip), Paul Robinson (metatarsal),
Pat O'Connor (cruciate) and Danny Senda (Achilles) on the sidelines for the
eagerly-anticipated clash. Winger Chris Hackett has been struggling with
groin trouble but came off the bench during Friday night's goalless draw at
Southend and should be available again. "It's a massive game and one we are
looking forward to,'' said Millwall manager Kenny Jackett. "We've earned it,
it's fantastic to go and play a Premier League team and if we get things
right and play above our level then you never know.''
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Millwall Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th August 2009
By: Preview Percy
And so to a second London derby in three days. This one is of course in the
Carling Cup and the draw must have had the Met simultaneously jumping for
joy (at the thought of all that overtime) and groaning in disbelief (at the
thought that they would, for once, actually have to do some work for once to
earn it).
Of course since the draw was announced every teenage keyboard warrior on
both sides of the divide has been chipping in about "standing your ground"
and "making sure that they don't take liberties" seemingly oblivious to the
fact that "Green Street" was fiction rather than a documentary. It was a
bloody awful film as well for what it's worth.
Of course it's fair to say that they have more than their fair share of
unpleasant characters amongst their numbers. Years ago your correspondent
lived not a million miles away from their ground. Unsurprisingly, most of my
then local pub was actually Chelsea. One of the funniest things I've ever
heard a Chelsea supporter say came up in a debate he was having with a
Millwall fan who was spouting forth very loudly that only Millwall fans had
any true passion for their team. The Chelsea fan calmly pointed out that: a)
the side for whom the fans showed "so much passion" were playing at home in
a vital promotion match as they spoke; b) the ground was literally half
empty; c) the ground was only 2 miles away from the pub; and d) neither the
Millwall supporter nor any of his replica kit-wearing mates had managed to
muster up enough "passion" to either make the two mile trip to the ground or
to bother to watch the match on any of the 5 big screens that the pub
possessed.
Of course whenever Millwall are mentioned there is usually someone on hand
to point out the strides the club have made in recent times to disassociate
themselves from the more Neanderthal elements of society, though employing
Dennis Wise as manager a while back was probably a bit of a publicity own
goal in that respect. In researching this piece I did happen across one
unofficial attempt to give the club a slightly different image in the form
of a website aimed at gay supporters called The Pink Lions. The home page
calls upon the London gay community to adopt the club in order to "reclaim
the club from the thuggish element" and asks us to imagine a "sell-out at
the New Den every week with a carnival atmosphere". Sadly for those of us
who love cheap jokes, since the site was set up three years ago that appears
to have been it, with little activity taking place since. You have to give
them ten out of ten for trying mind, though I'd say that the home page
slogan "You ain't a real man 'til you've had a 'Wall fan" is probably a few
years ahead of its time in New Cross.
On the pitch it's been an unbeaten start thus far. They've drawn 1-1 away at
Southampton and 0-0 at home to Carlisle and away at Southend. Their only
league win to date came in the 2-0 dispatch of Oldham which currently leaves
them in 8th place in the emerging table with six points from their four
matches so far. Goals were a little easier to come by in the previous round
of the League Cup as they sent Bournemouth packing with an easy 4-0 victory.
Their first-choice 'keeper is David Forde who some may remember started his
professional career proper at the Boleyn. Forde signed for us from Barry
Town in 2002 following a recommendation from the Welsh side's then manager
Kenny Brown. However, in his two years at the club he failed to dislodge
David James from the no.1 spot and his days were numbered following the
arrival of Raimond Van Der Gow. Loan spells at Derry City and Barnet
followed before a permanent move to his home town club Galway United took
place. Another couple of years back at Derry ensued before he returned to
the Football League with Cardiff. A proposed move to Dundee United fell
through because FIFA decided to enforce the rule about three clubs in a
season, though if Dundee United had filled out the form with a sticker
bearing the word "Liverpool" over where their own name should have been it
would have been ok obviously. Forde finally ended up at the New Den at the
start of last term. He was on the end of a shocking assault by Leeds'
Jermaine Beckford last season whose elbow to the face would have got him
arrested had it taken place in the pub. Forde had the last laugh, saving a
Beckford penalty in the play-off semi final.
This being the League Cup there is always the chance that we might see the
no.2 'keeper start, though given the nature of the match and the fact that
Forde started in the previous round this is probably unlikely. However, if
Jackett does elect to give his second-choice a run-out, we will see summer
signing John Sullivan between the sticks. Sullivan, who arrived from
Brighton at the expiry of his contract, is unique amongst professional
footballers in that he is the only one to have written "Only Fools & Horses"
(note to researcher – you're sacked.)
Famously, Millwall missed out on promotion last time out after a hilarious
play-off final that saw them go down 3-2 to Scunthorpe, a team in claret &
blue known as "The Iron". Which made a few of us smile at the time.
Goalscorer for Millwall that day was Gary Alexander, another player who
started life out at the Boleyn, eventually ending up the wrong side of the
river via spells at Exeter, Swindon, Hull and the O's. Alexander missed an
absolute sitter at Wembley and, if one were in mischievous mood, one might
almost think that he was simply doing his job as a former Hammer. An amusing
thought but for the fact that he was reputedly a Millwall supporter as a
boy.
Also up front has been the prolific Neil Harris who has been at Millwall for
what seems like donkey's years. Harris, who successfully beat testicular
cancer in 2001, actually spent three years away from the club, a spell
prompted by Dennis Wise's decision that Harris wasn't up to a regular first
team place. A loan spell at Cardiff was followed by a permanent move to
Forest. A loan spell with Gillingham apart, he stayed with Forest until 2007
when he then moved back to the New Den. It looked like the 07/08 season
might be his last with the club as, like his predecessor, boss Kenny Jackett
decided that Harris was surplus to requirements. However, an improvement in
form earned him a new deal and he subsequently went on to break Edward
Sheringham's club record of 111 goals and he scored a hat-trick in the
previous round against Bournemouth.
Against Southend last week Harris was used as a half-time sub for Welsh
striker Jason Price, who was apparently sacrificed in a tactical change from
4-3-3 to 4-4-2. It wasn't the first time that that particular substitution
had been made this season, though what with this being the League Cup it
wouldn't be a major surprise to see Harris start.
Another familiar name in the squad is that of Zak Whitbread. However, I'm
damned if I can work out why his name should ring a bell. Though he was on
Liverpool's books for 3 years, his first team opportunities were so limited
that the scouse burglars rarely targeted his house on the grounds that he
was more likely to be in on matchdays than not. A US cap at age level, he
signed from the scousers permanently in 2006 having earlier completed a loan
spell. I guess that his is just one of those names you hear on Soccer
Saturday from time to time that stick in the head for no apparent reason.
"What about us?" I hear you ask. Well the temptation must be for Zola to
ring the changes and give a few fringe-players a start. There is also the
question of James Collins who is the current favourite to be transferred out
in an attempt to raise funds for the striker that we so desperately require.
Villa are the side being closely linked with a deal and it might affect the
price were he to be cup-tied in this one so we may see a return for Tomkins
who missed the Wolves match with a knock and was on the bench for the
unlucky defeat against Spurs. However comments attributed to the manager
suggests that few changes are likely. We shall see.
The match of course has not been without controversy already with the Met
insisting on a reduced allocation for the visiting support. Originally, New
Scotland Yard insisted that only 1,500 of the original 3,000 seats should be
made available but a further 800 tickets have now been released. It'll be a
lively atmosphere to say the least and the result will probably depend to a
large extent on how seriously Zola takes this stage of the competition.
Assuming we don't actually stick out a total reserve XI we ought to be too
strong for them, though our traditional frailty in the face of lower-league
opposition is always a worry. Nevertheless, with a team of near first XI
strength I can see us winning this and I'll plump for a 3-1 this time and a
place in the next round for us.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: N/A
Danger man: Neil Harris – as a Millwall player of long standing a win would
mean a lot, and his hat-trick in the last round indicates a bit of form.
Referee: Paul Taylor – as a ref on the football league list we don't
encounter him that much, though he did referee our 2-2 draw with Southampton
in the 2008/09 pre-season.
Look out for: People trying to tell your fortune or sell you heather. If you
must buy the heather make sure it comes from a sustainable source and on no
account agree to have your drive tarmaced.
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Zola promises strong side for 'heated' Millwall tie
By Mike McGrath
Independent.co.uk
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
The West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists he cannot afford to rest
players for tonight's Carling Cup match against local rivals Millwall while
the club works on targeting signings. Zola's only available senior frontline
striker is Carlton Cole, with technical director Gianluca Nani and chief
executive Scott Duxbury looking to add at least one more forward before the
transfer window closes. Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh has "rejected" a move to
Upton Park but the deal is still being worked on, while Lazio's Goran Pandev
and Livorno's Alessandro Diamanti have been linked with the Hammers For now,
Zola is short on numbers ahead of what he expects to be a hostile atmosphere
when they face Millwall at Upton Park. "If I rest players, I've got nobody
to play with," he said. "I don't think we're in a position where we can rest
many players. We will try to present a team that can do the job."
A heavy police presence is anticipated for the second-round tie between the
bitter rivals. "I don't have a background in the match, but they tell me
it's a game that they have suggested I don't come to by walking to the
stadium," Zola joked. "It's going to be, obviously, a very heated game. We
are ready, we are professional, we care about the competition and we'll try
to do our best."
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Tony Craig gives his Millwall team-mates a crash course in rivalry
Ian Winrow
25.08.09
Evening Standard
Tony Craig has given his Millwall team-mates a crash course in the club's
rivalry with West Ham ahead of their Carling Cup tie. Very few of Kenny
Jackett's side were at the club when the two clubs last met four years ago
in a 1-1 draw. So skipper Craig, a lifelong Millwall fan, Neil Harris and
Paul Robinson have been working overtime to make sure the youngsters and
overseas players in the team are aware of what to expect at Upton Park. "If
they didn't know before what this means they certainly do now," said
defender Craig. "There have been a few of the senior boys telling them about
the rivalry between the two clubs and certainly the supporters. "They know
now and know that it means a lot, but these lads play for the shirt and give
a good account of themselves every time they put it on."
Millwall's chances of claiming a place in the third round are likely to
hinge on how well their makeshift back-four can handle the threat of West
Ham's attack. Originally a left-back, Craig will start alongside Andy
Frampton in the heart of a Lions defence that is still missing injured
centre-backs Robinson and Zak Whitbread. And manager Jackett is waiting for
a phone call from Wolves boss Mick McCarthy to find out whether he has
permission to play on-loan left-back George Friend. But Millwall have not
conceded a goal in almost 400 minutes of football since the opening day 1-1
draw with Southampton. Jackett said: "Everyone keeps saying it's a
patched-up back four, and it probably is, but we have kept four clean sheets
in a row. If that's from a patched-up back four, then that's not bad and
long may it continue."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has made no secret of his view that the
Carling Cup offers his side their best chance of gaininig a place in
European competition next year. And while he would like to rest key players
in a clash that comes only two days after the home defeat by Tottenham, the
Italian claims he has no choice but to field his senior players,
particularly up front where he is worringly short of back-up for striker
Carlton Cole. Zola said: "If I rest players, I've got nobody to play with. I
don't think we're in a position where we can leave out many players. We will
try to present a team that can do the job."
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Millwall captain Tony Craig has vowed to beat West Ham for the fans
The Lions' skipper reckons his side can cause a shock at Upton Park by
turning over Premier League side West Ham in the second round of the Carling
Cup
The London Paper
by: Julian Bennetts
25 August 2009
TONY CRAIG reckons he'll be the most popular man in south London if he
captains Millwall to a shock win at arch rivals West Ham in tonight's
Carling Cup second round clash.
The defender was born in Greenwich and is a life-long Lions' fan so he knows
how much the London derby means to the fans. After he was forced to turn off
his mobile phone to avoid getting any more requests for tickets, the
24-year-old has promised the club's 2,300 travelling supporters they will
not be let down at a red-hot Upton Park. "The fans will be out in force and
I know they're really looking forward to it - bragging rights are at stake,"
said Craig. "If we win, it will certainly make loads of my mates really
happy! I've been getting lots of calls about tickets for the game and I've
had to put my phone away so I can concentrate on the game."
And the former Crystal Palace man has warned England striker Carlton Cole he
will struggle against a Millwall defence that has conceded just one goal in
five games this season.
He added: "We've kept four consecutive clean sheets, so we've got a solid
back four and it's all going right for us. "It's a test we're all looking
forward to, but we can show how good we are and we're all hopeful of
stepping up to the mark."
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West Ham United - The Game's Gone Crazy
The crazy world of West Ham United!
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
West Ham v Millwall - Shame Beckons.
She is outside the stadium now, a pox ridden tart tottering around on high
heeled shoes with a mini skirt just covering her arse, seamed stockings, and
a blouse cut so low you can see her belly button piercing. No Pardew isn't
coming to the game with one of the Southampton players' wives, Shame is
flaunting her wares up and down Green Street, hoping to find a taker.
When the draw was made, impressionable young fools immediately hit the
blogs, giving it large, unconsciously quoting their favourite lines from
'Green Street'. You can bet your life that they have been talking about
journos, Bovver, Yanks, Tommy Hatcher (pronouncing the 'haitch') and the
Major ever since. Of course, they haven't got the first idea of what it is
really about and how somebody could really end up killed as they play out
their Hollywood fantasies. You can hear the cry now, "Where to even fucking
begin with Millwall. Millwall and West Ham firms hate each other, more than
any other firms by far." It is sad, it is pathetic, but like having
unprotected sex with an Aids infected tart, it is also dangerous and, to
these fools, irresistibly exciting. Give them enough alcohol to build up
their Dutch courage and there must be a fair chance that things will kick
off.
I hope to God nothing happens. This has been a terrible week as it is: the
attack on Davenport, the death of Collison's dad, rumours of Ashton's
retirement, the defeat to Tottenham - the last thing the club needs now is
bad press and an FA enquiry into crowd misconduct. Will that matter to the
yobs who engage in this sort of thing? Of course not. To them the club is a
badge, a flag to be waved in the face of others. They are not fans of the
team, they are not supporters of football, they are every day nobodies
seeking personal notoriety with no thought for the consequences. The sad
thing is that 'Green Street' glorified these idiots and they are too stupid
to understand the final message of the movie.
The best result tonight? A game that passes off without any crowd trouble.
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West Ham United Manager Gianfranco Zola Wants To Take Millwall 'Opportunity'
The Italian is looking for his charges to correct Sunday's loss to Spurs...
25 Aug 2009 09:44:09
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola wants his side to remedy Sunday's
2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, starting on Tuesday night in the League Cup
against Millwall.
The Hammers had led against Spurs thanks to a stunning goal from Carlton
Cole, before Jermain Defoe and Aaron Lennon struck to reverse the result.
Zola has insisted tonight's fiery London derby is not a hindrance to his
charges' preparations for a long season, but more a chance to get back to
winning ways. "It's going be a very heated game, but we are professional, we
care about the competition," Zola told Sky Sports News. "You see it as a
difficulty, I see it as an opportunity. "We lost a game in a disappointing
way but we right away have another opportunity to make it right."
West Ham currently sit 11th in the Premier League, having got off to a
winning start with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening
day of the season.
Zola will be unable to rest a host of first-team players, as many Premier
League managers do in the League Cup, because he has limited options at his
disposal.
Jamie Dunn, Goal.com
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Zola admits derby game could get heated
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on:25 August 2009 - 10:59
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to the League Cup clash
with fierce rivals Millwall. The London clubs have a passionate history both
on and off the pitch, however, having not featured in the same division for
several years the two clubs do not meet as regularly as both sets of fans
would like. Despite, the worry that injuries could occur, Zola was looking
forward to the derby match: "It's going be a very heated game, but we are
professional, we care about the competition," Zola told Sky Sports News.
"You see it as a difficulty, I see it as an opportunity."We lost a game in a
disappointing way but we right away have another opportunity to make it
right."West Ham suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spurs on the weekend.
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Preview: West Ham v Millwall
By Simon Hayes on August 25, 2009 1:35 PM
Wharf.co.uk
West Ham will enter the fiery cup clash with Millwall with just one
recognised striker ready to play.
Carlton Cole is the sole frontman available for selection, as Millwall plot
a high-profile upset of Gianfranco Zola's injury-hit squad. The stabbing of
defender Calum Davenport over the weekend has left the player's career
hanging in the balance. And the Hammers must also contend with injuries to
Kieron Dyer, Herita Ilunga, Dean Ashton, Luis Boa Morte and Valon Behrami.
Millwall have not beaten a Premier League side in the League Cup since their
victory over Everton in 1995/6, and their only win at Upton Park came in the
Simod Cup back in 1987. They remain hopeful that Chris Hackett will recover
from a groin strain and take his place in the side, but will be without
Nadjim Abdou (hip) and summer signing Steve Morison (hamstring).
Here's The Wharf's quick guide to the players who could be key in tonight's
clash at Upton Park.
Matthew Upson v Gary Alexander
England centre-half Upson has overcome his injury-jinxed history to become
one of the most important players in Gianfranco Zola's team. Cool and
elegant on the ball he also has the physical presence to mix it with more
direct players than he usually encounters in the Premier League. Alexander
has become a firm favourite with Lions fans for his wholehearted approach
and ability to score crucial goals. He hit one of the best goals seen at the
new Wembley Stadium in the play-off final defeat to Scunthorpe in May.
Alexander will have an extra incentive to do well against the Hammers,
having been on the club's books as a youngster.
David Martin v Julien Faubert
Left winger Martin is one of the best crossers of the ball outside the
Premier League and will be an important part of Millwall's push for
promotion this season. With genuine pace he is a real handful for any full
back, and he weighs in with his share of goals as well. Faubert has turned
himself into a right back this season, having originally joined as a winger.
The pacy Frenchman is still settling into the role and might find his work
cut out against Martin.
Mark Noble v Ali Fuseini
West Ham youth product Noble has developed into one of the best young
midfielders in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has had a good start to
the season, scoring in the opening day win at Wolverhampton, and is a
consistent goal threat when he gets close to the penalty area.
Fuseini, still only 20, is an effective holding midfield player, strong in
the tackle and with good distribution. He will be important in breaking up
West Ham's attacks. The Ghanaian's favourite player is Chelsea's Michael
Essien, whom he one day hopes to partner in his country's midfield.
Tony Craig v Carlton Cole
Craig, usually a left-back, has been filling in for injured skipper Paul
Robinson in central defence for the last two games, having recovered from
injury himself. He also took over the captain's armband in Robinson's
absence. Cole - who has turned himself into a proven Premier League
goalscorer and an England international - will have a three inch height
advantage over Craig and will be a constant threat to the Lions.
Venue: Boleyn Ground
Kick-off: 7.45pm
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Neil Ruddock tips West Ham to beat Millwall in Carling Cup
Speaking exclusively to thelondonsport, the Millwall fan reckons Gianfranco
Zola's side will prove too much for arch rivals West Ham in the second round
of the League Cup at Upton Park
The London Paper
by: Neil Ruddock
25 August 2009
thelondonsport columnist Neil Ruddock WEST HAM meet another of my old clubs
in the Carling Cup tonight and, while I'm a great Millwall fan, I don't
fancy them to get a result at Upton Park.
The only chance Millwall have is to nick it on penalties, based on what I've
seen of West Ham this season. The fact it's a local derby makes it harder
for Millwall to pull off a shock because the West Ham players will know what
the game means to their fans. And while we're on the Hammers, I'd just like
to wish Calum Davenport a speedy recovery from his stabbing injuries – and
the same for big Johnny Hartson in his cancer fight.
Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka shot down that old theory they can't play
together by ¬setting up goals for each other in Chelsea's win at Fulham on
Sunday. But by far the best partnership of the day was that of Carlton Cole
and Jermain Defoe in Tottenham's win at West Ham. Fabio Capello has got to
be over the moon. If those two strikers can link up like that for England
then it's looking rosy for the World Cup. It's just a shame they were
playing on different sides at Upton Park!
Cole's 20-yard back-pass for Defoe to level for Spurs was simply
unbelievable – it was the last thing anybody expected. If Cole had been a
centre-half he'd have got caned by the West Ham crowd, but the fact he's a
centre-forward saved him because he gets his team out of trouble more often
than he puts them in it. But there's no doubt the game turned on that
moment.
Not that Defoe needs any extra help because he's in great form. He was
coming through when I was at West Ham and he reminds me so much of Ian
Wright – he just wants to score goals. He's got a mixture of goals in him
and has everything in his locker. For anyone to suggest he's not a natural
goalscorer is simply ridiculous.
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Zola: No Rest for the Hammers
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola says he cannot afford to rest players for
tonight's Carling Cup clash with Millwall. The Hammers boss said: "If I
rest players, I've got nobody to play with." A heavy police presence is
expected for the meeting of the bitter London rivals at Upton Park. And
Zola joked: "I don't have a background in the match but they tell me it's a
game I don't come to by walking to the stadium!"
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