The EFL Trophy, often a stage for emerging talents and tactical experiments, sets the scene for an intriguing encounter this Tuesday evening as Stevenage host Bromley at the Lamex Stadium. With both clubs navigating their respective league campaigns—Stevenage in League One and Bromley in League Two—this Southern Group E fixture offers a break from the grind and a chance for a cup run. While Stevenage will look to leverage their home advantage and higher-tier status, Bromley will undoubtedly fancy their chances of an upset, adding a classic ‘David vs. Goliath’ narrative to this rare match-up. What’s truly at stake beyond progression? Momentum, squad depth assessment, and bragging rights in what promises to be a keenly contested affair.
Head-to-Head: A Fresh Rivalry Ignites
In a surprising twist for a fixture involving clubs in such close geographical proximity, Tuesday’s match marks a historic moment: Stevenage and Bromley have no significant prior domestic head-to-head record in major competitions. Based on available databases, these two sides have never met before domestically. This rarity adds an extra layer of intrigue, as neither team can draw upon past experiences or long-standing rivalries to inform their approach. It’s a blank slate, setting the stage for the first chapter of what could become a new local rivalry in cup football.
Current Form & Team News
Stevenage
Stevenage enters this EFL Trophy clash in commendable form, reflecting their status in League One. Having finished 14th in the 2024-2025 League One season, they appear to have started the 2025-2026 campaign strongly. Their recent run of results paints a picture of a team gathering momentum: a dominant home victory against Luton, followed by away wins over Leyton Orient and Exeter. A hard-fought draw against Mansfield away, coupled with an emphatic EFL Trophy win against Wimbledon, underscores their current prowess. This strong sequence of results (W-W-W-D-W) suggests a confident side, particularly robust at their Lamex Stadium home.
Manager Alex Revell will likely use this EFL Trophy fixture to rotate his squad, providing valuable minutes to fringe players and those returning from minor knocks, while still maintaining a competitive edge. Specific injury or suspension news for October 7th is not available, but expect a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talent.
Bromley
Bromley, currently plying their trade in League Two, finished 11th in the 2024-2025 season and are now in their second consecutive season in the division. Their recent form in the early part of the 2025-2026 season has been more inconsistent, characterized by a series of draws and losses. Their last five competitive outings show a pattern of struggle to convert draws into wins or avoid defeats, with results including draws against Tranmere and Chesterfield at home, losses to Swindon and Oldham away, and another draw against Gillingham. This translates to a D-L-D-L-D record, placing them around the mid-table mark in League Two.
Under manager Andy Woodman, Bromley will be looking to rediscover their winning touch and see the EFL Trophy as an opportunity to build confidence. Similar to Stevenage, tactical adjustments and squad rotation are anticipated, offering a chance for players who have been on the periphery to stake a claim for a regular starting spot. They will be keen to show they can compete against higher-league opposition.
Tactical Preview
At the Lamex Stadium, Stevenage will likely adopt a proactive approach, capitalizing on their home advantage and superior league standing. Manager Alex Revell tends to favor an organized yet attacking setup, possibly a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, allowing their wingers and central attacking midfielder to link up with a lone striker. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Stevenage aiming to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
Bromley, on the other hand, is expected to be more pragmatic. Facing a League One side away from home, Andy Woodman’s men might opt for a more defensive shape, perhaps a disciplined 4-4-2 or even a 3-5-2, focusing on stifling Stevenage’s attacking threats and hitting them on the counter. Their defensive solidity, particularly away from home, will be tested. The focus for Bromley will be on breaking up play in central areas and quickly transitioning the ball forward to their pacy forwards.
Given the early October date in England, pitch conditions at the Lamex Stadium are expected to be excellent, allowing for fluid football. Travel fatigue should not be a significant factor for either side, given the relatively short distances involved in a Southern Group E fixture.
