Bromley vs Grimsby Town preview
Four without a win plays five without a win. Something has to give.
As things stand, it seems fair to say that neither Bromley nor Grimsby look likely to feature in the postseason.
While both teams undoubtedly possess quality in their ranks, at the moment, it appears as if both teams operate in peaks and troughs – enough to never be in relegation danger but not enough to consistently be in the top seven.
My statistics foraging revealed that, when it comes to big chance creation, Grimsby are third in the league. Only Notts County and Walsall place higher.
Defensively, Grimsby are second in the league for interceptions per match (9.3) and third for successful tackles per match (11.1). Despite that, they have conceded the second most goals in the league. That’s a head-scratcher.
In contrast, Bromley are only in the top three in the league for three things: penalties awarded (5), penalties conceded (5), and red cards (6). When it comes to red cards, they top the league.
Make of that what you will.
I am always a bit sceptical of how much we should read into stats. The real information that matters to me is what the league table says.
Grimsby are 10th: 39 points from 28 games. Bromley are 13th: 35 points from 27 games.
The difference between the two teams is relatively negligible.
The run-up to this game has been dominated by frantic manoeuvres in the transfer market.
Bromley have said goodbye to Callum Reynolds (Boreham Wood), David Aziaya (Finn Harps on loan), and Levi Amantchi (Walsall) while welcoming Adam Mayor (Millwall on loan).
Grimsby have signed winger Darragh Burns from MK Dons, and midfielder Géza Dávid Turi from Faroe Islands club Vikingur for an undisclosed fee. The latter will not be available for the Bromley encounter due to international clearance, so David Artell will be hoping he can find a way to get a tune out of his stuttering side without him.
Danny Rose and Denver Hume continue to be the dangermen vis-à -vis goal contributions, and it was the latter’s penalty that separated the two sides at Blundell Park.
Will one goal be enough today?
Andy Woodman will definitely have to shuffle the pack. Omar Sowunmi is suspended and there is a sense that he is still searching for his best line-up, particularly after his activity in the transfer window.
Some of his trusted stalwarts are in a bit of a rut in terms of their form, so it’s quite possible that no one is guaranteed a start (bar perhaps two players).
How Bromley set up at home versus away is a bit of a lottery at the moment, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Andy opt for a more attacking formation today.
Four at the back? Two up front? It remains to be seen.
What would you go with?
From Bromley with Love XI
Smith
Grant Webster Elerewe
Imray Thompson Arthurs Ilunga
Congreve
Cheek Dennis
Please note all match photographs in this article are by Martin Greig - please follow him on Twitter here
All articles are edited by Peter Etherington you can link to him here
If you havent as yet make sure you read the other articles in the archive.
If you’d like to show an appreciation for the work that goes into this newsletter you can buy me a coffee through the link below.
You can also find Machel St Patrick Hewitt on Twitter - here
Most importantly of all subscribe to the newsletter to ensure you get these updates direct to your inbox.
He has to start Kabamba today. Cheek looks cooked and in need of a rest.
The season is pretty much done, no real threat of relegation and not quite good enough yet for a play off tilt.