Bromley to host Reading in Carabao Cup first round

Bromley and Reading will meet at the CopperJax Stadium on 8 August 2026 for the first‑round tie of the 2026‑27 Carabao Cup. The match marks Bromley's debut in League One after winning the League Two title, while Reading aim to progress after a disappointing end to the previous season.

Bromley enter the game with several injury concerns: goalkeeper Grant Smith is out with a stress fracture and defender Deon Woodman is sidelined with a hamstring problem. New loanee Kamarl Grant is expected to make his first appearance. Reading also miss key players, including Sean Patton (metatarsal fracture) and several others still recovering from pre‑season injuries. Managers Andy Woodman (Bromley) and Leam Richardson (Reading) will look to use the fixture to gauge their squads ahead of the league campaign.

Both clubs have mixed recent cup histories. Bromley have won one of three previous League Cup ties at home, while Reading have won four of their last seven away cup matches. Predictions favour Reading, but Bromley remain competitive and will field a strong side.