Bromley vs Bristol Rovers Predictions

National League Bromley welcome League 1 side Bristol Rovers to Hayes Lane on Tuesday evening. After drawing away from home, the hosts will be hoping to win this replay. The visitors will be looking to avoid the embarrassment of losing to a side from outside the Football League.

Bromley will be looking to equal their best FA Cup performance by reaching the second round for just the fourth time in their history on Tuesday night. Beating League 1 opposition won’t be easy but after their performance at Memorial Stadium, they aren’t likely to be short of confidence, while the artificial surface at Hayes Lane could also play into their hands.

When the teams met in the original tie, it was the National League side that had the better of the game. Without dominating possession of the ball, Bromley, who bettered Rovers in terms of shots and equalled them in terms of shots on target, created a greater volume of chances, while they certainly weren’t bettered in terms of clear-cut scoring opportunities. Whether they deserved to win is debatable, but they were certainly deserving of the late equaliser that was stabbed in by Chris Bush.

Since their draw down in Bristol, Bromley have played just once in the National League, drawing 3-3 with Harrogate at this venue. Their defensive performance on that occasion wasn’t great, but they once again showed quality going forward, not to mention plenty of fighting spirit.

The League 1 side haven’t played since drawing with the Ravens just over a week ago, so they will be fresh and have certainly had plenty of time to prepare, though their overall away form this season probably won’t inspire a great deal of confidence. At their own level, Bristol Rovers have struggled for consistency away from home, winning three and losing four. From a creativity point of view, they’ve not sparkled, as they’re the second-worst League 1 team in terms of shots on target for, while they’ve also found it tough to keep teams at bay, giving away quite a few chances and conceding twice in four out of seven.

In the betting, ‘Bromley to Score Over 1.5 Goals’ appeals. Having performed well in the first leg, the hosts, who’ve got a good scoring record at home, scoring two or more in each of their four and in seven of their last ten, are backed to do even better in the final third at what will be a jam-packed Hayes Lane. Moreover, Bristol Rovers have a poor defensive record against lower-level teams in recent years, conceding two or more four times against such opposition since 2016.

In the ‘Correct Score’ market, a 2-1 win for the hosts appeals. Had Bromley edged it when the pair met just over a week ago, it wouldn’t have been totally unmerited. In addition, Bristol Rovers have twice lost 2-1 against lower-level teams in the FA Cup in recent times.