Millwall defender Caleb Taylor sends warning to West Ham ahead of The Den clash
Millwall defender Caleb Taylor has warned West Ham that they can expect a fiercely competitive encounter when the two sides meet at The Den this weekend.
West Ham return to Championship action on Saturday as they travel to face the Lions, with the Hammers heading into the fixture with confidence following their impressive 6-0 league victory over Wrexham at the London Stadium.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were unable to carry that momentum into the Carabao Cup, however, as they suffered a 3-2 home defeat against Premier League outfit Fulham in their latest outing. Morato and Pablo were on target for West Ham, but their goals were not enough to secure a place in the next round.
Taylor has now made it clear that Millwall are ready for the challenge, particularly with the intimidating atmosphere expected at The Den.
Speaking on the BBC’s EFL 72+ podcast, the Millwall centre-back said the team would aim to be solid against a West Ham side packed with quality and backed by significant financial resources.
He also highlighted the unique atmosphere at The Den, admitting that he expects Saturday’s occasion to be particularly intense.
West Ham arrive with plenty of confidence
Despite their Carabao Cup disappointment, West Ham remain in a strong position in the Championship. They currently sit top of the table after seven matches, collecting 14 points and staying ahead of clubs including Swansea City, Middlesbrough and West Brom.
The Hammers appear to have adjusted well to life in the second tier following their relegation from the Premier League alongside Burnley and Wolves.
The club backed Nuno during the summer and strengthened the squad with several notable additions, including Manor Solomon, Arne Engels and Joel Piroe. At the same time, they allowed a number of players to leave, including Crysencio Summerville, Callum Wilson and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
One of their biggest successes was retaining Jarrod Bowen, who chose to remain at the club and play a key role in their promotion campaign.
Bowen has already made a major contribution this season, recording six goals and four assists in 10 appearances across all competitions.
Millwall ready to make life difficult
West Ham may have plenty of quality throughout their squad, but Millwall are unlikely to make Saturday’s trip an easy one.
The Lions come into the fixture after a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, having initially established a two-goal advantage.
Millwall reached the Championship play-offs last season but were eliminated by eventual winners Hull City over two semi-final legs. Alex Neil’s team have since regrouped and are looking to challenge again this campaign.
Currently 11th in the Championship, Millwall have won three of their opening seven matches and are just one point behind eighth-placed Lincoln City.
With a disciplined and physical side, combined with the famously intense atmosphere at The Den, West Ham will need to remain focused if they are to maintain their position at the top of the Championship.
🔥 ‘Proper intimidating’: Millwall star fires brutal warning to West Ham ahead of The Den showdown
