£600,000 to police Lions derby clash

Sunday's's derby between Millwall and West Ham is expected to cost over £600,000 to police.

The game at The Den will be the third between the two clubs since West Ham were relegated 18 months ago and will require another massive cross-London operation.

More than 1,000 officers were deployed to help prevent trouble at the same fixture last season and security is set to be just as tight this weekend.

The size of the operation is comparable to those mounted for large central London demonstrations.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers will be providing a high-visibility presence and using tactics such as overt cameras to deter and identify any troublemakers.

"Officers from across London will be at the Millwall ground and throughout London for the event. British Transport Police are also involved."

West Ham fans will be restricted to 2,100 as the lower tier of the away end will be shut.

On the pitch, there will be selection dilemmas for both managers.

Millwall's Dennis Wise may choose not to play goalkeeper Graham Stack, on loan from Arsenal, who is facing a court appearance on Tuesday after being charged with rape.

Alan Pardew is unlikely to risk former Millwall striker Teddy Sheringham, who has a thigh injury. But the West Ham manager has been more worried about his defence. Hayden Mullins is suspended, Calum Davenport has been recalled from his loan spell by Tottenham and Malky Mackay (calf) is injured.

Darren Powell is expected to be brought in on loan from Crystal Palace today along with Mauricio Taricco, who is set to join on a free from Spurs.