Crystal Palace host Millwall at Selhurst Park this Saturday in what will surely be a highlight of the FA Cup fifth round.
The south London sides haven’t faced each other since their heated affair at The Den three years ago where Michael Olise’s brilliance was the difference.
The current Bayern Munich star lit up south London that day with a goal and an assist, bringing on an onslaught of bottles from Millwall fans, although Palace supporter Tom Bucher has fond memories of the 2-1 win in 2022.
He said: “We were on a really nice run, Olise was just better than anyone else on the pitch.
“We knew we were witnessing something special, he went on to get better and better and now he’s banging them in in the Champions League.”
Former Millwall player Romain Esse will no doubt add a new spark to Saturday’s game after his January transfer to Palace.
Both sides sit 12th in their respective leagues, giving them the opportunity to go all-out for an FA Cup which has already lost some giants.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been knocked out, leaving the competition open for a possible shock winner.
Bucher predicts Saturday’s tie to be a nervy and scrappy game.
He said: “I think we’ll win 1-0 and I hope it’s Esse coming up with a last-minute winner.”
Millwall fan Trevor Page’s highlight from the historic derby was a 3-0 win on New Year’s Day in 1994, when the Lions battered league leaders Palace in the First Division, now the Championship.
Millwall have also lost just one of their last eight games against the Eagles at Selhurst Park.
Page said: “I’m 50-50 on Millwall’s chances on Saturday, we have a great record at Selhurst Park.
“Our last FA Cup tie there was in 1985 when Steve Lovell scored from the spot to win us the game.
“I hope the Lions can keep up the good work and continue our great record at Selhurst.”
Palace fan Jacob Stocker is from a family of Millwall fans, but his uncle Steve pushed him towards Palace.
He said: “The first Palace vs Millwall games I can remember is when they were playing against each other in the Championship years ago.
“We had two sofas, one was for Palace and the other was for Millwall.
“It’s passionate, but it’s also banter, you’re giving each other stick but once the final whistle goes it’s a laugh and you get to brag about it for the next few months.”
The winner of Saturday’s tie may very well be London’s last hope for an FA Cup win this season.
The only other London side left in the competition, Fulham, travel to Old Trafford to face holders Manchester United.
The derby will be live on BBC One at 12.15pm on Saturday.
Featured Image Credit: Tom Brogan via Flickr (CC BY-ND 2.0)
Join the discussion