2025-26 Carabao Cup: First Round – Bromley vs Ipswich

Bromley host Ipswich in a blockbuster first-round tie as the 2025-26 Carabao Cup gets underway.

Victory will see Andy Woodman’s Raven move past this stage of the competition for the first time in their history, having lost to AFC Wimbledon on debut last season.

Ipswich look to avoid a first-round exit for the first time since 2022-23 season.

 

Team News

Kyle Cameron could be rested for Bromley after he picked up a minor head injury during their League Two victory over Barnet.

Carl Jenkinson remains sidelined with a hip injury.

Ipswich manager, Kieran McKenna could hand new loan signing, Chuba Akpom his debut appearance in South London.

McKenna otherwise has no fresh injury concerns following the Tractor Boys’ 1-1 draw at Birmingham in their Championship opener.

Conor Townsend remains absent with an ACL injury suffered during pre-season.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Bromley host Ipswich at Hayes Lane on Tuesday 13 August at 8pm BST, live on Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Bromley’s first-ever competitive meeting against Ipswich
• Ipswich are making their first competitive visit to Bromley in all competitions.
• Bromley lost their only appearance at this stage of the competition (L1), although this will be the first time that they’re facing higher league opposition within the Carabao Cup.
• Ipswich have won three of their last five away ties to lower-league opposition in this competition (W3, L2).

 

Prediction

Having managed two impressive clean sheets in their first two games this season, Bromley certainly can’t be underestimated if the home crowd create a daunting atmosphere but I would like to see a bit more clinical finishing composure after more wasteful finishes against Barnet.

Ipswich on the other hand had their own issues in the same department with no shots on target for much of their draw against Birmingham, so it will be interesting to see if McKenna give those players a chance to atone or rotate his squad to give the likes of Ali Al Hamadi and Akpom a chance.

Nevertheless there is plenty of work for both teams to do but with home advantage and having already played twice competitively this season, I can see Bromley springing a shock if they can get the opening goal.

Prediction: Bromley 2-1 Ipswich

Result: Bromley 1-1 Ipswich (Bromley win 5-4 on penalties)