Why Simon Jordan's West Ham rivalry claim will raise eyebrows ahead of Millwall clash

West Ham United are now gearing up for one of their most mouth-watering fixtures of the season - the showdown against Millwall.

These two bitter rivals have not met since February 2012, when the Hammers secured a 2-1 win against the Lions.

Millwall will undoubtedly be looking to get their long-awaited revenge, while the Irons will want to retain that long-stretch of bragging rights.

Both outfits are also in decent form heading into the fixture, Millwall sit just four points behind the E20 outfit.

So, it is building up to be one of the most anticipated games this weekend.

But Simon Jordan's latest claim will raise plenty of eyebrows ahead of kick-off.

What has Simon Jordan claimed about West Ham-Millwall?

West Ham against Millwall is one of the fiercest derbies in football, with the two seperated by just a few miles in London.

While the two have not played as frequently over recent years, there is still lingering bad blood and plenty of history tying into this clash.

However, talkSPORT pundit and former Crystal Palace owner Jordan has tried to slightly pour water on the fixture, claiming that West Ham against Millwall is not even the "real rivalry".

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jordan stated: "Millwall fans these days are a lot more bark than they are bite. And the real rivalry is Millwall and Chelsea."

Many Hammers fans will certainly disagree with that, and the tension of this match up will be felt at the weekend.

And whatever Jordan's view is, that reality will be be clear come Saturday.

With local pride and the bragging rights on the line, West Ham must be up for this fixture.

What is West Ham's overall record vs Millwall?

Neither side will want to lose, but the Hammers are currently behind in the all-time standings.

Right now, in competitive fixtures, it is Millwall that lead the way with 22 wins against the Irons.

The Hammers are three behind on 19, with the number of draws between the two on 19 as well.

West Ham will want to begin clawing back that all-time record, and this weekend is the perfect chance to do so.

It will not only be West Ham and Millwall's eyes on this fixture either, as a 14-year wait to see these two sides clash comes to an end

Plenty of neutrals will be tuning in.