The Den will play host to one of its most important London derbies in years when Millwall take on Charlton Athletic in a crucial Championship relegation battle on Saturday.

Millwall go into the match still in the coveted spot just above the relegation zone, although their position is no less precarious now than it has been for a number of weeks.

The Lions picked up a massive and unexpected victory away to high flyers Derby County last Saturday to give their survival hopes a timely shot in the arm, but they failed to build on that on Tuesday when they were beaten by Blackpool, who had previously gone 18 games without a win.

They now sit just two points above Yeovil Town and Barnsley having played a game more than both teams, while Charlton have four games in hand to make up a three-point gap.

Ian Holloway's arrival has not brought with it much of an improvement in form, with two wins, three draws and six defeats in his 11 matches at the helm.

However, matches like Saturday's are games that he simply must win if he is to keep the Lions in the division this season. Defeat would see them drop into the relegation zone, while they could end the day bottom of the league.

One thing that Holloway has done is to improve his side's defensive record, with just five goals conceded in their six games, but the worrying sign for him is that they have only scored three times in the same period.

Their tally of 62 goals conceded is still the most in the division, while their goal difference is also the worst in the league - a factor that could prove important in a tight relegation battle.

Millwall are without a win in their last four games at The Den, while that run stretches back to a solitary victory in their last seven in front of their own fans.

Holloway could bring Alan Dunne back into the side for the match, but Jermaine Easter, DJ Campbell, Danny Shittu and Shane Lowry are all injury doubts.

Charlton are equally in need of a win as their South London rivals having dropped to the bottom of the table, and victory could well see them climb out of the relegation zone depending on results elsewhere.

The Addicks showed the first signs of panic this week when they dismissed manager Chris Powell, and new boss Jose Riga will be desperate to get his first win on the board early doors.

While their fate is in their own hands due to the luxury of having played fewer games than those above them, Riga will know that they need to make those matches count, which will require a turnaround in fortunes.

Charlton have not won or scored in any of their last three games in all competitions, coupling their descent to the bottom of the league with an exit from the FA Cup.

Their form in the Championship leaves much to be desired, with just one win in their last nine and two victories in their last 15 outings.

Away from home, things are just as worrying for the Addicks as they have lost four league games on the bounce and are without a win in their last nine on the road.

Riga is likely to be without Leon Cort and Chris Solly for his second match in charge, but he could welcome Simon Church back into the starting XI.

Recent form

Millwall: DDLLWL

Charlton: LWWLLD

Possible starting lineups

Millwall: Forde; Dunne, Lowry, Robinson, Malone; Martin, Garvan, Williams, Upson, Woolford; Morison

Charlton: Hamer; Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; Harriott, Poyet, Ajdarevic, Jackson; Ghoochannejhad, Chruch

Sports Mole says: 1-1