Lee Bowyer has given his verdict on Millwall fans as his Charlton side prepare to travel to the Den for their London derby on Saturday afternoon.

It is set to be a fierce clash between the two teams and ahead of the game, Bowyer has been talking about the intimidating atmosphere that is synonymous with the Lions' ground, but is relishing the occasion nontheless.

“The first goal will be massive. It will be intimidating, but you can turn that atmosphere onto a positive," he told his pre-match press conference, reported by the club's official Twitter account.

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“We know that our fans will be singing and Millwall will be doing a bit more than singing, knowing them.

"But if we can take control of the ball and look a threat, then things can easily turn.”

Charlton have not beaten the Lions since 1996, a match in which Bowyer actually scored, so it is no surprise that only a win will do for them this time around.

Both sides come into the match with a mixed vein of form behind them with Charlton having not won any of their last three games; losing to Bristol City and Preston either side of a point away to West Brom.

Millwall have won just one of their last four but under the guidance of new manager Gary Rowett will be looking to build some serious momentum following a slow start to the season.

The verdict

It is good that Bowyer is not underestimating the effect that Millwall's atmosphere can have on a team.

Why do you think so many Premier League sides have succumbed to the pressures of the ground in recent years? But if anyone can send out a team to deal with it, it will be Bowyer.

He will have played in plenty of ferocious atmoshperes throughout his career so passing that on to his players could well be crucial to Saturday being a success for the Addicks.