Promotion hopefuls Bromley will continue their pursuit of National League leaders Chesterfield when they welcome struggling Ebbsfleet to Hayes Lane on Saturday afternoon.

The home side are currently second in the National League table, seven points behind the team at the top of the division, while an out-of-form Ebbsfleet outfit sit in 22nd position, one point from safety.

Match preview

Bromley finished seventh in the National League last season, which saw them qualify for the playoffs, but they were beaten by Chesterfield in the semi-finals.

The Ravens have enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign to date, boasting a record of 15 wins, seven draws and four defeats from 26 matches, which has left them in second spot in the table on 52 points.

Andy Woodman's side are 14 points clear of eighth-placed Rochdale, while they sit seven behind the leaders Chesterfield, but the team at the summit also have two games in hand.

Bromley have won five of their last six matches during an excellent run of form, and they will enter this match off the back of a 3-2 victory over Ebbsfleet in the reverse match on Boxing Day.

The two teams are preparing to lock horns again four days later, and Bromley recorded a 3-1 victory when the pair last locked horns at Hayes Lane in August 2019.

Ebbsfleet, meanwhile, won the National League South last season to secure a spot in the National League, but they are seemingly facing a big battle to retain their status at this level.

Dennis Kutrieb's side have won six, drawn six and lost 14 of their 26 league matches this season to collect 24 points, which has left them in 22nd position in the table.

The Fleet are only five points ahead of basement side Fylde, but they are just one point behind 20th-placed Dorking Wanderers, so it is not quite time to hit the panic button.

Ebbsfleet are without a victory since running out 4-1 winners over Oldham Athletic at the end of November, drawing two and losing three of their last five games, but they have managed to share the points with Barnet and York City in two of their last three National League fixtures.

Team News

Bromley head coach Woodman could name the same XI that took to the field for the first whistle against Ebbsfleet on Boxing Day, providing that there are no late setbacks.

Michael Cheek has been in strong form in the National League this season, scoring 12 times, and the 32-year-old is again set to continue in the final third of the field.

There should also be a start for Olufela Olomola, who has eight league goals to his name in 11 appearances during an impressive opening to his Bromley career.

As for Ebbsfleet, Dominic Poleon has been their main source of goals this season, coming up with 12 in the league, and he will again lead the line.

Josh Wright will again feature in midfield, with the 34-year-old proving to be a vital player for the club during the 2023-24 campaign.

Head coach Kutrieb is unlikely to make many changes to the side that took to the field on Boxing Day, but Darren McQueen could be introduced in an attacking position.

Bromley possible starting lineup:
Smith; Webster, Reynolds, Leigh, Kirk, Topalloj; Passley, Whitely, Olomola; Cheek, Krauhaus

Ebbsfleet possible starting lineup:
Cousins; Martin, O'Neill, White, Kenlock; Wright, Cisse, Chapman, McQueen; Poleon, Samuel

We say: Bromley 2-0 Ebbsfleet

Ebbsfleet have only won two of their 13 away league matches this season, so it is very difficult to back them against a strong Bromley outfit. The hosts have been one of the best sides in the division this term, and we are expecting a comfortable success for Woodman's side on Saturday.

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