Preview: Bromley vs Gillingham - prediction, team news, lineups

The Copperjax Community Stadium is set to host a potential League Two title clash on Saturday when Bromley welcome Gillingham for an early-season six-pointer.

The Ravens are looking for a third win on the bounce, while the Gills are aiming for a fifth straight triumph.

Match preview

Andy Woodman's Bromley were promoted from the National League in 2023-24, then survived in the fourth tier in 2024-25, and they have now made an excellent start to 2025-26.

Last time out in the league, the Ravens earned another three points in a 2-0 victory over Harrogate Town thanks to late goals from Nicke Kabamba and Omar Sowunmi.

That win has Woodman's side third in the table with 12 points, level with Crewe Alexandra, Swindon Town and Walsall and just two short of their top-of-the-table opponents.

Most recently, the hosts beat Crystal Palace Under-21s 4-3 on penalties in the EFL Trophy at the Copperjax Community Stadium, and fans will draw confidence from the fact that they have now lost just one of their last six home games.

A fourth victory in seven League Two games for Bromley would be a statement, continuing their upward trajectory and highlighting their status as true promotion contenders.

Meanwhile, Gareth Ainsworth's first full campaign in the Gillingham dugout has got off to a flying start, and the manager looks set to push for the title as well as promotion.

The Gills closed out August by building on wins against Chesterfield and Crewe with victory on the road against Oldham Athletic, where Sam Vokes's second-half effort was enough to secure the points in a 1-0 win.

That triumph kept Ainsworth's men unbeaten in League Two while also moving them to the top of the pile given that now-second-placed Chesterfield drew last time out.

Playing on the road this week, the visitors' hopes will be boosted by the fact that they are undefeated on their travels so far this term, drawing twice and winning once.

Should Gillingham make it five wins from their opening seven games, then they could move four points clear in first place, laying down the gauntlet to their rivals.

Bromley League Two form:

Bromley form (all competitions):

Gillingham League Two form:

Gillingham form (all competitions):

Team News

Bromley will be without midfielders Ashley Charles and William Hondermarck - as well as right-back Lakyle Samuel - this weekend due to their international commitments.

In their absence, Ben Thompson and Ben Krauhaus should line up alongside Jude Arthurs in the centre of the park, while Marcus Ifill operates at right wing-back.

Elsewhere, right-sided defender Carl Jenkinson is a doubt, so expect to see Omar Sowunmi start on the right of a back three.

As for Gillingham, only left-back Lenni Cirino is away on international duty, and Max Clark is likely to start at left wing-back on Saturday.

However, they do have an injury list to contend with, as centre-back Conor Masterson is unavailable due to a calf injury, while left-sided defender Shadrach Ogie, striker Sebastian Palmer-Houlden and midfielder Euan Williams are all doubts.

With that in mind, Sam Gale, Robbie McKenzie and Andy Smith look set to form a back three behind a duo of Armani Little and Ethan Coleman in the centre of the park, with Bradley Dack supporting a strike partnership of Elliott Nevitt and Josh Andrews.

Bromley possible starting lineup:

Smith; Sowunmi, Cameron, Odutayo; Ifill, Thompson, Arthurs, Krauhaus, Pinnock; Cheek, Dinanga

Gillingham possible starting lineup:

Morris; Gale, McKenzie, Smith; Hutton, Little, Coleman, Clark; Dack; Nevitt, Andrews