**Bromley are about to learn what it feels like to face a League One machine.** Reading rolled into the Carabao Cup first round in *serious* form, and Bromley — who got absolutely battered 7-0 by QPR just weeks ago — are massive underdogs at Hayes Lane. 📉

Reading's won four straight and looks properly sharp offensively. Bromley have been wobbling between draws and defeats, though they did scrape a point against Millwall. This is a classic David vs Goliath mismatch, and the odds heavily favor the visitors to cruise through.

Key storylines:

- **Reading's attacking potency** against a Bromley backline that's been leaky — **L. Fraser, J. Marriott** and company will be licking their lips
- **Bromley's home advantage at Hayes Lane** won't count for much without the firepower to trouble **J. Pereira**
- **M. Cheek and V. Adeboyejo** need to be clinical if Bromley are to nick anything, but Reading's form says otherwise 🔥

Expected lineups:

- **Bromley**: G. Smith, O. Sowunmi, F. Cowin, J. Mendy, D. Woodman, M. Pinnock, M. Ifill, N. Kabamba, A. Charles, V. Adeboyejo, M. Cheek
- **Reading**: J. Pereira, P. O'Connor, J. Dorsett, H. Roberts, F. Burns, L. Wing, D. Kyerewaa, P. Lane, L. Fraser, J. Marriott, J. Brown

Prediction:

**Reading 3-0 Bromley.** Reading have a clear edge and should progress without fuss.