Crewe Alex v Bromley 24/25 Preview - Let It Snow

Every day of the week. With this game falling on a Sunday, the Alex will have officially played on every day of the week this season. Saturday, well obviously. Sunday, this game. Monday, Port Vale away. Tuesday, several. Wednesday, 3 days ago. Thursday, Boxing Day. And Friday, Colchester at home. I know it doesn't mean much, but I thought it was a funny little quirk of the new fixture list and how the TV deal impacts it. Anywhere, here is my preview of the visit of Bromley to Gresty Road:

Conditions

The first thing to note is the potentially snowy conditions. At the time of posting this, there are a number of snow and ice warnings forecast for the local area, which could even put this game in doubt. However, should it go ahead, the weather could well have a big factor on the game.

First Time Visitors

The Alex coming up against teams who've never visited Gresty Road is getting ever more rare. In recent years, we've seen Salford and Harrogate and this time, it's the turn of the Ravens. I doubt we'll see many away fans though, given the conditions and distance involved. Still, it'll be nice to be facing a new visitor.

More Rest

I always like to make this point, as I do think it's a factor. The Alex wrapped up their last game with Carlisle at 5pm on Wednesday. Bromley though didn't finish their game with Gillingham until 9:40 on Thursday. The Alex will be coming into this game on 94 hours rest. Bromley will be on 65. Add in the long trip north and you'd hope the Alex will be the slightly fresher team on the day.

On the charge

However, they will be facing a Bromley side who are full of confidence. They are on an incredible run of form. After 2 wins from their first 11 games, they looked to be slipping into trouble. But since the middle of October, they have been a team on the rise. They are on 12 game unbeaten run and a 7 game unbeaten away run. In that away run have been a win at Doncaster and a draw at Walsall where they were minutes away from a win.

What's also noticeable is how they've managed this impressive run. They are the worst possession side in the league, managing just 39.6% so far. They also complete the fewest passes at just 161.5 per game. But even despite being a big physical group, they are 19th in fouls per game and have the fewest bookings. They will focus on set pieces, with their 16 goals via this route leading the division by a comfortable margin. Given how the Alex have defended these in recent weeks, they'll need to be far better in that area for sure.

But the Ravens will be full of confidence and will come to the Alex with no fear, looking to make continue their unbeaten run.

Distracted?

All that being said, will they be distracted by their upcoming visit to St James Park next Saturday? You doubt it, but you can't help but wonder if it might be on their minds somewhat. A trip to play Newcastle in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history has to have some factor right?

Ref Watch

Scott Jackson

This man needs no introduction. One of the most egotistical and card happy refs in the whole EFL. Although, in a funny twist of fate, he also reffed the Alex's visit to Bromley back in August. And now he's doing the reverse game. I wonder if that's ever happened before?

2024/25 Record: 18 games(2 League One, 8 League Two, 1 FA Cup, 1 League Cup, 2 National League, 4 EFL Trophy), 88 yellows, 3 reds

Last Game: Grimsby Town 3-0 Port Vale, EFL League Two, 29th December 2024, 2 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: 1-2-0, 13 yellows

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

The Alex will be sweating on the status of Zac Williams, who came off at half time against Carlisle with illness. The same goes for Ryan Cooney, who came off with a suspected concussion and might not be cleared to play in this one if he gets diagnosed with one. There were a few others carrying knocks, so they will need to be assessed also.

Bromley

Carl Jenkinson, Josh Passley, Lewis Leigh, Marcus Dinanga, Miles Weston, Tyler Foran and Josh Thomas were all missing from their squad at Gillingham, but given most of those look to be fringe squad players, I doubt any of them will be badly missed.

Team

The Alex will be hoping both Cooney and Williams are good to go after their aforementioned issues that saw their withdrawals against Carlisle. If they are fine, then they both start again in this one.

In midfield, it's time to see a trio of Sanders, Powell and Holicek. Will Powell and Sanders work together? I'm not sure, but it's worth a go.

As for in attack, Tracey should be on the bench, that's beyond question. So who out of Lankester, Bogle and Long start? Can Long do 2 starts in 5 days? It feels unlikely. However, is Lankester in a position to start with his hamstring issue? It's a tough decision, but for me, I'd go with Bogle against Bromley's huge backline and partner him with Lankester.

Score Prediction

This is a really tough one to call. Bromley are flying and the way they easily dispatched Gillingham has to make you a touch worried. However, the Alex are coming off their incredible late win on Wednesday and with some extra rest, they might have a slight edge in this one. I'll stay optimistic and say they'll edge out a scrappy win, which is more than fine with me.

Crewe Alexandra 2-1 Bromley