Bromley, aiming to continue their playoff charge, are set to host League Two leaders Walsall to Dales Lane on Thursday night.
The hosts are 10th in the standings with 51 points from 36 games, while the visitors are top of the table with 68 points from their 36 league fixtures.
Match preview
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After several years of battling for promotion from the National League, Bromley finally achieved their goal by finishing third last season and defeating Solihull Moors on penalties in the playoff final to secure their spot in League Two.
The Ravens are enjoying a superb first season in the fourth division, currently placed 10th in League Two with 51 points, leaving them only five points outside the playoff places.
Andy Woodman, in charge since March 2021, has led Bromley to an impressive 13 wins, 12 draws and 11 defeats from their 36 matches, but they have experienced several inconsistent runs of form.
Bromley endured nine league matches without a win between August and October and six winless games between January and February, and after losing in their last outing, Woodman will be hopeful for his men to bounce back and avoid another miserable streak.
A victory could see the Ravens climb above Colchester United into ninth, potentially closing the gap on the top seven to just two points, but a defeat could see them drop to 12th depending on results elsewhere.
As for their opponents, Walsall may be top of the league heading into this match, but the visitors have endured a disastrous run of form over the past weeks.
The Saddlers lost only three of their opening 25 League Two fixtures, alongside 18 wins and four draws, leaving them top of the table, but they have since suffered a significant downturn in form.
Mat Sadler‘s men have only managed two victories in their next 11 league outings, losing five and drawing four in that time, a streak that has allowed the teams below them to rapidly close the gap.
Second-placed Bradford City are now just two points behind Walsall, leaving Sadler desperate for his side to return to their early-season form to extend their stay at the top of the table.
Team News
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Carl Jenkinson, who was absent from Bromley’s 2-1 loss to Tranmere Rovers in their last match, remains doubtful for Thursday, meaning Kamarl Grant may start at right-back.
Bromley’s top scorer with 17 League Two goals, Michael Cheek, came off with an injury in the 66th minute of that loss, potentially giving Nicke Kabamba the chance to start in attack.
As for Walsall, captain Donervon Daniels has been out of action since mid-January, and the central defender is unlikely to feature for the Saddlers until later this month.
A disappointing performance in a 3-1 defeat to Grimsby Town last time out may result in Sadler making several changes on Thursday, potentially seeing the likes of Evan Weir, Brandon Comley and Oisin McEntee come into the starting team.
Bromley possible starting lineup:
Smith; Grant, Sowunmi, Webster, Mayor; Arthurs, Thompson; Congreve, Whitely, Ilunga; Kabamba
Walsall possible starting lineup:
Simkin; McEntee, Williams, Allen; Barrett, Jellis, Comley, Lakin, Weir; Harrison, Adomah
We say: Bromley 1-1 Walsall
Bromley have a disappointing record at home this season, taking only 24 points from 18 fixtures, while Walsall have struggled in recent weeks, leading us to expect a stalemate on Thursday.
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