Bromley vs Fleetwood Town preview
Since Peter Wild replaced Charlie Adam as Fleetwood manager, the Cod Army have picked up 17 points from a possible 30.
At the time of his appointment, Fleetwood were 18th in League Two and on a wretched run of form. They now sit in 12th and are only eight points outside the play-off places. As one of the league’s most upwardly mobile sides, they are now eyeing a late run at the postseason.
It’s not all plain sailing, though. Three of their last five games have seen them drop points to the league’s bottom three: Carlisle (L), Morecambe (L), and Tranmere (D). Yet, in between, they beat league-leaders Walsall and also-rans Cheltenham.
It speaks of a club in flux.
Since Wild’s arrival, Fleetwood have lost Liam Shaw (Northampton Town) and Carl Johnston (Peterborough) to League One clubs, while an Achilles tendon injury has ruled top-scorer Ronan Coughlan out for the rest of the season.
In response, Wild has added Louie Marsh (Sheffield United loan), Brandon Cover (Leicester City loan), Kobei Moore (Aston Villa loan), Harrison Neal (Carlisle United), and Kian Harratt (Huddersfield Town).
Does their unpredictable form since January hint at a bedding-in phase?
Despite their ups and downs, Fleetwood have the third-most clean sheets in the league and will be hoping to maintain that solidity against Bromley.
The Cod Army are likely to play a 3-5-2 formation while sitting deep and looking to pick Bromley off on the counter. This poses an interesting question about how Bromley will set up.
Will the Ravens go like-for-like, or will it be 4-2-3-1? The latter has served them well recently and seems like it should probably be utilised again.
Bromley’s recent performance at MK Dons, and the first-half performance at Salford, suggest there is a lot to work with in the squad. Most notable has been the dual threat of Danny Imray and Cameron Congreve, whose rejuvenation has added a fresh attacking dimension to Bromley’s play.
I wondered out loud whether Ben Thompson in the #10 is the best way to play at home, but if it ain't broke...
Therefore, the only real question mark for me pertains to the fitness of the following players: Carl Jenkinson, Deji Elerewe, Maldini Kacurri, and Idris Odutayo.
I sense their availability will affect how Andy Woodman sets up for this encounter.
If all of them are fully fit, I can see Bromley going back to 3-5-2, but where would Adam Mayor play in that scenario? And what about Harry McKirdy?
If you were in Andy Woodman’s shoes, what would you do?
From Bromley with Love XI
Smith
Jenkinson Webster Elerewe Odutayo
Arthurs Thompson
Imray Congreve Mayor
Cheek
Please note all match photographs in this article are by Martin Greig - please follow him on Instagram here
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