Crewe Alex v Bromley 25-26 Preview - Land of the Giants

If Bromley have many players under the height of 6ft, I'd be surprised. They really are a thrown back to years gone by where they focused on being big and physical. But they will pose a very different test to both Notts County and Harrogate, who weren't anything close to what the Ravens throw out there each week. But with the Alex looking a little more like themselves, hopefully they can grab a 3rd straight win. Here is my preview of their home game against Bromley:

What is says on the tin

I've always felt game planning for a team like Bromley is incredibly simple. Because you know exactly how they are going to play. They won't come and win with nice football or by passing you off the park. No, they will come with an approach that favours getting the ball forward quickly and concentrating on set pieces. They will pose no surprises, it will just be about whether the Alex can stop this and counter it effectively.

Set Pieces

Speaking of set pieces, that is where the vast(and I mean vast) majority of Bromley's threat will come from in this game. Last season they scored 23 goals via this route, the 2nd highest in the division. This season, they are leading the way with 11. Only 6 of their 17 league goals have come via different means. Again, the Alex would be wise to prioritise a possession based approach not just because it's in their own interests, but because it would limit Bromley's ability to force free kicks and corners and load the box.

2 headed monster

Most of Bromley's threat comes in the form of their 2 man attack of Michael Cheek and Nicke Kabamba. They have scored 10 of Bromley's 17 league goals this season, with them proving to be an effective partnership. Given the Alex's defensive issues at the moment, this will the big challenge for them to keep these 2 quiet. Do that and they'll be in a strong position to win the game.

Away Struggles

Bromley, for all their strengths, have found wins on the road in 2025 difficult. Since a 3-0 win over Gillingham in early January, they have gone 4-6-7 in their away games, which isn't terrible, but it also shows they have found consistency away from Hayes Lane tricky.

They are 1-2-2 in their opening away games this season, with 4 of their 5 points coming against bottom dwellers Shrewsbury and Cheltenham. You would hope the Alex can find a way to add to their growing travel sickness.

Home Consistency

And speaking of that, I hope that the Notts County win can be the start of a consistent run of results for the Alex at Gresty Road. As I mentioned after that game, they have played ok or well in 4 of their 5 home games. Score either penalty against Barnet and the worst they probably do is draw that game. They should be 4-0-1 or 3-1-1 at home right now.

Well, this represents a perfect chance to grab another 3 points and keep that little run going, not to mention extend their winning run overall to 3 games. They didn't win their 4th game at home until game 7 last season. They can do it 1 game faster this time around.

Ref Watch

Aaron Bannister

Bannister is another new ref for the Alex, although he has done a few EFL games over the last few years. What stands out is his quick fire cards. He averaged 4.03 per game last season is up to 4.33 a game this season, with 4 reds issued in just 9 games. The Alex will need to be on their best behaviour.

2025-26 Record: 9 games(1 League One, 3 League Two, 3 National League, 1 League Cup, 1 EFL Trophy), 39 yellows, 4 reds

Last Game: Rotherham 3-2 Oldham, EFL Trophy, 7th October 2025, 3 yellows

Crewe Alex Record: N/A

Injuries/Absences

Crewe Alex

Jack Powell played for the U21s on Monday, so he's back fit, but Matus Holicek is almost certainly out as he requires a scan on his groin issue. Also absent is Calum Agius, who is once again away with the Wales U21s. So they'll be a little lighter on attacking options, but do have Omar Bogle and Louis Moult to potentially add back into the squad.

Bromley

Bizarrely, the Ravens will potentially have more individuals out suspended than injured. Byron Webster was shown a straight red card last week against Tranmere and Anthony Charles picked up his 5th yellow, so both will sit this game out. So will Andy Woodman, who also got a red card in that Tranmere draw. He'll enjoy the game from the stands. Deji Elerewe is the only player of note out injured from what I could see.

Team

I think 8 of the spots pick themselves at this point. The keeper, back 4, midfield 2 and striker all are no brainers, so there seems little point in debating doing anything different there. But it's in the 3 behind Josh March that some big calls need to be made.

Jack Lankester is pushing for a start after his impressive cameo and assist against Harrogate. So he comes in. But where? On the right, where O'Reilly plays? Does O'Reilly slot more centrally? Who plays left wing with no Holicek, no Agius and potentially no Rankine? Do Tezgel or Lunt come in? Personally I'm starting Lankester and O'Reilly and putting Lunt back into the 10 spot. I can be convinced to start Tezgel ahead of him for extra height and physicality.

Then on the bench, do we see Moult return and do we see, drum roll please, the return of Omar Bogle as well? I think we could, given Bromley at home in January was where he scored his last goals for the club. Could this be the game where he reignites his Crewe career?

Score Prediction

It won't be easy to stop Bromley, as they look strong in attack. But their defensive issues are something you'd like to think the Alex can exploit. You really feel the Alex need a 3rd straight win here because they have a tough trip to MK and then welcome the lethal attack of Grimsby to Gresty Road. So, I'm, going to say they grab their 3rd straight 2-1 win in a row.

Crewe Alexandra 2-1 Bromley