Bromley face Reading in the first round of this season’s Carabao Cup as both teams kick off their 2026-27 season.
Victory would see Bromley reach the second round for a second consecutive season, whilst Reading look to avoid a fourth first-round exit in six seasons.
Team News
Grant Smith is ruled out for Bromley after he suffered a stress fracture during a 4-1 pre-season defeat against West Brom, with Shamal George set to replace him in goal.
Summer signing, Deon Woodman is ruled out too after he suffered a hamstring injury during their 1-1 friendly draw at home to Millwall.
Kamarl Grant is set to make his first appearance for the Ravens since he rejoined on a season-long loan from Millwall last weekend, having previously spent two loan stints with Bromley.
Reading will be without Sean Patton after he suffered a metatarsal fracture in pre-season.
Jack Marriott (back), John Ryan and Abraham Kanu (both unspecified) are too absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Bromley meet Reading at the CopperJax Stadium on Saturday 8 August at 3pm BST, live on Sky Sports+ Red Button in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Bromley’s first League Cup meeting against Reading.
- Reading drew 3-3 in their only previous competitive visit to Bromley in the first round of the 1947-48 FA Cup in November 47, before the Royals won the replay 3-0 at home.
- Bromley have won one of their three previous League Cup ties which were all played at home (W1, L2), although their two ties last season against Ipswich in the first round and Wycombe in the second round were settled on penalties.
- Reading have won four of their last seven away ties in the League Cup (W4, L3).
Prediction
Having experienced a tough pre-season with various changes but still lost just two competitive home matches within 90 minutes across all competitions since late March 2025, Bromley can’t be written off in this first-round tie given that this round is now on a weekend rather than the traditional midweek slot.
If it had taken place in midweek as normal, I honestly would of expected Andy Woodman to basically chuck this tie and give fringe players a run-out with focus on their debut League One season, but this is a chance to go full-strength and have a cup run in my eyes.
Reading though have been strong in pre-season despite losing some key players and do look like they will be pushing for promotion in the league this season, but this is a chance for both teams to get an early gauge given that they’re both in the third tier.
Much of the outcome though could boil down to how the managers treat this in terms of selections but I wouldn’t be surprised if there is still a pre-season effect in the air, so am going for Bromley to nick this on penalties if can keep it tight defensively with a strong line-up.
Prediction: Bromley 1-1 (Bromley to win on penalties)
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