This week's live TNT game comes from Hayes Lane, as Bromley hosts Barnet. Both sides suffered defeats in the playoffs last season, so they will be keen to redeem themselves this time around. Read my preview for Bromley vs Barnet below.
Last season was successful for both clubs, with Bromley finishing 7th and Barnet finishing 5th. This was enough to secure the playoffs.
In the quarterfinal, Bromley stunned Woking at Kingfield, coming from behind to win 2-1. The semi-final defeat to Chesterfield was eventful, with the Lilywhites eventually losing 3-2 in extra time.
In the regular season, Andy Woodman’s side defied the odds. A run of nine games unbeaten to end the season saw his side sneak into the playoffs ahead of Southend. In this run, Bromley gained an impressive draw at Barnet as well as defeating Chesterfield 2-0 at home.
Scoring 68 goals and conceding 53, the Lilywhites saw action at both ends, with 61% of their games seeing BTTS.
Barnet finished in 5th place before losing 2-1 at home to rivals Boreham Wood in the playoff quarterfinals. This was typical of their end-of-season form, only winning one of their final nine games.
The Bees were certainly entertainers, scoring 75 goals and conceding 67. 70% of their away games saw BTTS, with their away games averaging 3.34 goals per game
There was a contrast in results between the two teams last week. Bromley travelled to Halifax and were comfortably beaten 2-0 by the Shaymen. Barnet won 3-2 against recently relegated Hartlepool, despite a late scare.
Both teams have a clinical goalscorer to rely on. Michael Cheek has scored double-digit goals every season since 2013–14. The 31-year-old is forever reliable and has scored 57 goals over the last three seasons for Bromley.
Since his breakout season with Hampton & Richmond in 2016/17, Nicke Kabamba has struggled for consistency and a regular home. At Barnet, he may have just found it. The 30-year-old scored 19 goals in a prolific campaign and added to that tally in the opening game week, scoring after 54 minutes to make it 2-0.
Despite Bromley losing and Barnet winning last weekend, Bromley are priced as 2.1 favourites with Bet365. The draw is 3.60 and a Bromley win is 3.2, so the bookies are anticipating a tight affair.
I am of the opinion that it will be a tight game, and I predict a draw. However, both teams have quality in attack, so both should score.
Due to the tightness of the game, it is hard to pick a star single for this game. Therefore, a nice 2.10 bet builder is the best bet.
Bromley ended the season on an impressive run, remaining unbeaten in nine games. Barnet, on the other hand, only recorded one victory from their last eight.
Bromley were the draw specialists last season at home, drawing 10 of their 23 games. However, they only lost four times at home, showcasing how hard they are to beat in front of their own fans. Three of these four losses also came against top-five opponents, including Wrexham.
Barnet had a relatively strong away record, finishing 7th in the away form table. However, they only won nine away games all season.
BTTS landed in 70% of Barnet away games and 61% of Bromley’s.
Taking all this into account, a bet builder of Bromley double chance and BTTS is my best bet.
Selection: Bromley double chance and Both Teams To Score- 2.10- Bet365
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