Grimsby Town are gearing up for one of their biggest games in years as they welcome Manchester United to Blundell Park.
A spot in the third round of the EFL Cup will be up for grabs as the Mariners take on the Red Devils in a competitive fixture for the first time since 1948.
Match preview
Grimsby’s prize for beating Shrewsbury Town in the opening round of the EFL Cup is a home clash with football giants Manchester United.
The Red Devils are far from the force they once were, but that does not diminish the size of the occasion for the League Two side.
The Mariners will be chomping at the bit to test themselves against Premier League opposition – especially after kicking off their season with a six-match unbeaten run.
David Artell’s side have picked up 11 points from their opening five matches in League Two, scoring the joint-highest number of goals.
Grimsby will also be encouraged by their home form, which has seen them win all three of their matches at Blundell Park since the start of the season.
For Manchester United, the main goal on Wednesday is to simply win the match and avoid an embarrassing cup exit.
The Red Devils are yet to win a game this season, picking up one point from their opening two Premier League matches.
Ruben Amorim needs a confidence-boosting result, and he will be hoping his men can deliver just that away at Blundell Park.
On paper, United should win the fixture comfortably. Then again, the Red Devils have only won two of their last 13 away matches – a stat which will hand Grimsby an added bit of motivation.
Grimsby Town EFL Cup form:
W
Grimsby Town form (all competitions):
W D W W W D
Manchester United form (all competitions):
L D
Team News
Grimsby Town head coach David Artell in April 2024.
Grimsby Town will be looking to field their strongest side as they look to pile more misery on United boss Ruben Amorim.
The Mariners have a couple of injury issues ahead of the game, with Jason Svanthorsson and Sam Lavelle both expected to miss out.
The man to watch for Grimsby is striker Jaze Kabia, who has already scored four goals this season.
United, on the other hand, are expected to rotate, with Benjamin Sesko expected to make his first start for the club.
Bruno Fernandes is also set to start in an advanced position, which should open the door for Kobbie Mainoo to get some minutes under his belt.
Youngster Tyler Fredricson was featured on the bench against Fulham at the weekend, and he could make his presence felt on Wednesday night.
In terms of the goalkeeping situation, out-of-favour Andre Onana could make his first appearance of the season.
As far as absentees go, United remain without the injured duo of Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez.
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup: Pym; Rodgers, Warren, McJannet, Staunton; Amaluzor, McEachran, Turi, Khouri, Burns; Kabia
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Shaw, Fredricson, Maguire; Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
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We say: Grimsby Town 1-3 Manchester United
Man United has spent more money in this summer’s window than Grimsby has in their entire history. That surely has to count for something as we head towards this cup game.
While Grimsby have been brilliant in League Two so far, the gulf in quality is huge, and we are backing United to come away with a solid win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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