Preview: Bromley vs. Eastleigh - prediction, team news, lineups

Bromley and Eastleigh will be seeking their first win of the new National League campaign when they face off at Hayes Lane on Monday.

Having suffered defeats in their respective opening fixtures, both teams will be looking to secure a positive result here to get their season up and running.

Match preview

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Following his appointment as head coach in March, Andy Woodman led Bromley to a strong finish in the 2020-21 season, as his side suffered only one defeat in their final 13 matches to secure seventh place in the table, consequently qualifying for promotion playoffs.

With Chris Bush marshaling the defence, the Ravens kept seven clean sheets during that brilliant run, as they managed to remain unbeaten in each of their final five fixtures of the term.

As Bromley looked set for promotion to League Two, they were left heartbroken after suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat to Hartlepool in the playoffs, condemning them to another year of National League football.

It goes without saying that the Ravens will be charging for promotion once again this season, and have already brought in reinforcements to bolster their squad, with the likes of Louis Dennis, Corey Whitely and Joe Partington now donning their white kit.

On the back of three successive pre-season victories, Woodman's men suffered a 4-2 defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge in their season opener, and will be itching to return to the pitch to clinch maximum points on matchday two.

Eastleigh had their pre-season extended as they could not play on the league's opening weekend, having been given a bye week because of the new 23-team makeup of the division.

Despite ending the previous campaign on a good note with three wins and two draws in their final five fixtures, the Spitfires finished two points below the playoff places.

Looking to put up a stronger promotion challenge this term, Eastleigh have already strengthened their squad with the recruitment of Danny Whitehall and Jake Hesketh from Kilmarnock FC and Southampton respectively.

After the club showed their commitment to head coach Ben Strevens by offering him a new two-year deal, they proceeded to play out a decent pre-season, winning two of their four warmup fixtures.

However, the Spitfires failed to get their league campaign off to a winning start after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Wrexham on Saturday, with Jake Hyde's brace putting them to the sword.

Team News

Having featured on their return debuts against Dagenham & Redbridge, Corey Whitely and Louis Dennis are set to keep their place in the starting lineup for this fixture.

Even with the arrival of Reice Charles-Cook at the club, Mark Cousins is expected to remain in goal.

Given that his side conceded four goals last time out, Woodman might consider tinkering his backline here.

Eastleigh's Tyrone Barnett, who notched up 11 goals last term, failed to make his mark against Wrexham, and could be replaced by new signing Danny Whitehall.

Having been substituted for an unconvincing performance in the last game, Jake Hesketh may drop to the bench here to open up a spot for Harry Pritchard in the starting XI.

Bromley possible starting lineup:
Cousins; Bush, Sowunmi, Trotter, Partington; Webster, Bingham, Arthurs, Whitely; Cheek, Dennis

Eastleigh possible starting lineup:
McDonnell; Hare, Low, Miley, Maghoma; Boyce, Kelly, Whelan, Pritchard; House, Barnett

We say: Bromley 2-0 Eastleigh

Bromley were disappointing in their opening game of the season, and will be seeking a positive result on Monday to kickstart their league promotion charge.

Given their superb pre-season campaign, the hosts are favorites to win this encounter, and we are backing them to clinch maximum points without conceding.