Hammers fan Zamora ready to enter Lions Den

Bobby Zamora knows better than anyone just how special Sunday's game between Millwall and West Ham is. The West Ham striker was a Hammers fan long before he played for the club and appreciates its importance to both sets of supporters.

He said: "I've played at The Den before but I know this one will be different. To be honest, this will be one of the biggest games I've played in. It's a massive game for the fans and also important as far as the league is concerned."

Both clubs are chasing play-off places - West Ham are third and Millwall eighth, four points behind them with two games in hand.

Zamora said: "Fair play to Millwall because they've done a good job to reach the FA Cup semi-finals as well as being well-placed in the league but we're on quite a good run as well so it should be a close game."

Zamora showed his displeasure when he was substituted in the 4-2 win over Crewe on Wednesday and said: "I just wanted to be on the scoresheet and I was disappointed when my number came up. The manager understands that, though, and it was just one of those spur-of-the-moment things."

Manager Alan Pardew was happy with Wednesday's win but added: "Sunday's match will be very different and we need to be more aggressive and assertive."

Striker David Connolly could be back after missing two matches with a thigh injury while Hayden Mullins could return following a back injury. Matthew Etherington remains a doubt after injuring a leg against Sunderland last weekend.

Of course, Sunderland are in Millwall's thoughts at the moment ahead of their FA Cup semi-final. But player-manager Dennis Wise has made it clear to his players that promotion is their priority.

Striker Neil Harris said: "Everybody is talking about the semi-final but the way we are going to get through that is to take good form into it from winning our league games. The West Ham match is a massive local derby for us in front of a full house at The Den and that is what we like."

Wise's knee injury will keep him out of the match but striker Mark McCammon should be back after concussion. Striker Nick Chadwick, signed on loan from Everton, will also be available.