Preview: Grimsby Town vs. Salford City - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts arrive into this one off the back of a defeat to Harrogate, while the visitors enter the fray following a draw with Barrow.

Match preview

Grimsby have been in an inconsistent run of form across 2022-23 and sit 16th in the League Two table with 27 points from 21 matches under Paul Hurst.

Their exploits home and away contrast significantly, as they have accumulated just 11 points at Blundell Park this season, though have impressively picked up 16 points on the road, which is the sixth-best away tally in the division.

Nevertheless, they were on the end of a 3-2 loss to Harrogate Town in their last outing, as an own goal from Max Crocombe in the 91st minute condemned the Mariners to an agonizing defeat.

Grimsby have won just two of their last seven matches in all competitions and will need to sharpen up to avoid slipping further down the league standings.

Nevertheless, a victory against Salford City on Thursday could move Grimsby as high as 14th in the table if results elsewhere fall their way.

On the other hand, visitors Salford make the trip looking to enter the playoff positions if they can secure all three points at Blundell Park.

Neil Wood has done a decent job since coming into the building, guiding his side to 10th place in League Two with 32 points from 21 matches.

The Ammies are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions and look to have turned a corner following a sticky run of results previously.

Last time out, Salford recorded a 1-1 draw at home to Barrow, as a Matt Smith opener was eventually cancelled out by Jordan Stevens in the 79th minute.

Salford face a much different proposition on Thursday, and manager Wood will be aiming for a better performance to boost their playoff credentials.

Grimsby Town League Two form:

L

L

D

L

W

L

Grimsby Town form (all competitions):

D

L

W

L

W

L

Salford City League Two form:

L

L

D

L

W

D

Salford City form (all competitions):

L

L

W

W

W

D

Team News

Grimsby could be without Jordan Cropper for the visit of Salford due to the defender struggling with a bout of illness. Bryn Morris is fully recovered from a bug and will be involved in the matchday squad.

Harry Clifton also struggled with illness in the lead up to the Harrogate match, though played the whole 90 minutes and is expected to be involved again in some capacity.

Otis Khan is once again expected to be a key creative force from the start, though Max Wright may be preferred to Brendan Kiernan on the opposite flank.

Salford will have to contend without Callum Hendry for the Grimsby tie following his straight red card in the draw against Barrow on Boxing Day.

Lorent Tolaj may be entrusted to take his place, while Ryan Leak may displace Theo Vassell in the backline.

Vassell is also at risk of suspension if he manages to pick up a booking during the match on Thursday night.

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:

Crocombe; Efete, Waterfall, Maher, Amos; Green; Wright, Holohan, Clifton, Khan; McAtee

Salford City possible starting lineup:

King; Galbraith, Leak, Nartey, Touray; Watt, Watson; Bolton, Tolaj, McAleny; Smith

We say: Grimsby Town 1-1 Salford City

In a match with permutations at both ends of the table, we expect both sides to create plenty of chances in what will be a tight affair.

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