Bromley vs Accrington Stanley preview

When Bromley travelled to Accrington back in December, it seemed like Accrington Stanley were a nailed-on relegation certainty.

However, since the turn of the year, they have claimed 23 points from 19 games, and while this isn’t amazing form, it isn’t relegation form either.

Slowly but surely, they have pulled away from the bottom two, and are now 6 points outside the relegation zone with six games to go. They are by no means safe, but League Two survival is in their own hands. They would have bitten your hand off for that scenario at Christmas.

Until Tuesday night's poor defeat at home to Fleetwood Town, Accrington were unbeaten in four games and had only conceded one goal in that period. One of those games was an impressive 0-0 draw with automatic promotion candidates Bradford City.

Given two of their last six games are at home against the teams in the relegation spots, Morecambe and Carlisle United, any points they can nab at Bromley will likely be seen as a bonus.

When it comes to Accrington’s goal contributions, 34 (or 90%) have come from three players: Shaun Walley, Ben Woods and Tyler Walton. Can Bromley shut down that triple threat?

Even though they had to settle for a draw, Bromley created a lot of opportunities against Newport County on Tuesday night. The defeat against Salford City last weekend saw a similar level of attacking impetus.

If Bromley can harness the defensive capabilities that Andy Woodman demands from his side, while also being ruthless in front of goal, you have to believe that Bromley can win this match.

Michael Cheek is hunting his 20^th league goal of the season, but the goals also need to come from elsewhere. Yes, the system is set up for Michael Cheek to do what he does, but if Bromley want to progress at this level of football then they will need to find another consistent goal contributor.

As it stands, Ben Thompson is Bromley’s second-top scorer in the league with 5 goals. The side needs a few more Ben Thompsons if they’re to truly make an impact in League Two.

The Ravens have six games left and are 9 points away from the play-off spots, so I’m not convinced we are at the stage where we will see rotation for rotation’s sake. And given Andy didn’t switch to a back five against Newport, I don’t see it happening against Accrington either.

So, if the shape remains 4-2-3-1, how would you set up?

This is what I would do. Any thoughts?

From Bromley with Love XI

Smith

Grant Sowunmi Elerewe Odutayo

Charles Arthurs

Imray Thompson Congreve

Cheek

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Please note all match photographs in this article are by Martin Greig - please follow him on Instagram here

All articles are edited by Peter Etherington you can link to him here

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