Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s EFL Trophy clash between Grimsby Town and Lincoln City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
On Tuesday, Grimsby Town will face Lincolnshire rivals Lincoln City in an EFL Trophy clash at Blundell Park.
The hosts are yet to play in the EFL Trophy this season, while the visitors lost their opening group game against Chesterfield.
Match preview
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Grimsby are currently sitting in 10th place in the League Two standings after collecting 15 points from 10 matches.
The Mariners recently enjoyed a fine run of form, recording three consecutive victories over Bromley, Carlisle United and Gillingham.
Unfortunately for Grimsby, their winning run was brought to an abrupt end by Saturday’s heavy 3-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers, conceding all three points in a disastrous first period at Blundell Park.
Grimsby will have to pick themselves up as they now turn their focus to their first EFL Trophy match of the season and their first competitive meeting with Lincoln in January 2019.
Having failed to win their last four head-to-head matches, the Mariners are looking to beat the Imps for the first since since claiming a 2-0 win in a National League clash in December 2015.
Lincoln will head into the midweek derby clash in a confident mood, having put together a seven-game unbeaten streak in League One (W4, D3).
Michael Skubala‘s side have also won two of their previous three outings, including Saturday’s home clash against Leyton Orient.
Jovon Makama and Freddie Draper both got on the scoresheet to fire Leyton Orient to a narrow 2-1 victory, leaving them in fourth spot with 18 points to their name.
Lincoln will now turn their focus to their midweek EFL Trophy clash, with the Imps looking to get on the board after losing 1-0 in last month’s group opener against Chesterfield at Sincil Bank.
Despite that disappointment, Lincoln will fancy their chances of avoiding defeat in Tuesday’s fixture, having put together a 12-game unbeaten away run in all competitions since losing to Blackpool in January.
Grimsby Town form (all competitions):
Lincoln City EFL Trophy form:
Lincoln City form (all competitions):
Team News
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Grimsby’s Harvey Rodgers was sent off in the 45th minute of Saturday’s clash with Doncaster, but he will still be available for the midweek fixture, with his suspension set to be served in the league.
While this is a derby fixture, Grimsby boss David Artell may take the opportunity to make some changes to his side, with Matty Carson, Tyrell Warren and Donovan Wilson among those who could be considered for starting spots.
Lincoln may be unable to call upon the services of Dylan Duffy, Tyler Walker and Ben House, but Adam Jackson will be available after he missed the win over Leyton Orient through suspension.
The visitors are hoping that attacker Reeco Hackett can recover in time to play some role in Tuesday’s derby clash.
Skubala may use the EFL Trophy fixture as a chance to give starting opportunities to Lewis Montsma, Erik Ring, Jack Moylan and Baily Cadamarteri.
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Smith; Warren, Rodgers, McJannett, Carson; Svanthorsson, Green, McEachran, Khouri, Barrington; Wilson
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Wickens; Hamer, O’Connor, Montsma; Ring, Bayliss, Erhahon, Moylan, Jefferies; Cadamarteri, Draper
We say: Grimsby Town 1-2 Lincoln City
Lincoln have not lost a competitive away game since New Year’s Day, and we think they will continue that impressive run by claiming a narrow victory against a Grimsby side that has lost three of their previous five home matches in all competitions.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.