Preview: Grimsby Town vs. Tranmere Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

The Mariners are currently 16th in the standings and able to overtake their opponents in the table if they win the match, with the visitors starting proceedings three points higher.

Match preview

Grimsby have made a steady start to life back in the EFL, after being promoted from the National League last season, firmly rooted in midtable as we approach the halfway stage.

However, Paul Hurst's side have found it very tough to acquire points at Blundell Park, picking up just eight in nine games, the second-worst home record in the division, while their away form is akin to that of a side in the playoff places.

A 3-0 victory against Crawley Town more than two months ago is the only time they have picked up three points on home soil all season, although they have managed to pick up some decent draws, against second-placed Stevenage and sixth-placed Bradford City.

After dispatching of Stockport County 3-1 in mid October, the Mariners looked on course to mount a playoff push, sitting just two points off seventh place courtesy of the result.

That was the last victory mustered up by Hurst's side in the league, and they are now winless in seven matches, continuing their poor record with a 1-0 defeat away at AFC Wimbledon last time out, with Ethan Chislett striking the decisive goal on the hour mark.

Tranmere have also been in poor form as of late, currently on a run of nine games without a win in all competitions, the first time they have failed to win over that period since they were relegated to the National League in 2015.

Seven of these games have been in League Two, five of which have ended as draws, so Micky Mellon's side have still managed to get some points on the board, but the form is not promising for a side who will once again see promotion as the end goal.

Earlier in the season, the Rovers displayed that they do have the talent to put a run together, winning five league games in a row without conceding a goal at one stage, exhibiting their defensive acumen.

With just 16 goals conceded, Tranmere have the best defensive record outside of the automatic promotion places, however it is down the other end of the pitch where they have struggled, highlighted by just one goal in their last five league games.

Last time out, the Super White Army picked up what can be seen as a good point on the road at third-placed Northampton Town, but it will be frustrating that they did not manage to get on the scoresheet once more, with the game ending 0-0.

Grimsby Town League Two form:

D

L

L

L

D

L

Grimsby Town form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

W

L

Tranmere Rovers League Two form:

D

L

D

D

L

D

Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions):

D

L

D

L

L

D

Team News

Grimsby may be without right-back Michee Efete, who has started every league game this season, as a result of a neck injury suffered in the last match, which resulted in him being stretchered off the pitch.

Although it does not seem as bad as first feared, Andy Smith may instead start as a precautionary measure in defence, joining Luke Waterfall, Niall Maher and Evan Khouri.

Winger Otis Khan has started the last seven matches, scoring twice in an FA Cup victory against Cambridge, and he should get the nod again on the left, with Brendan Kiernan on the opposite flank, aiming to provide for John McAtee at lone striker.

Tranmere will be without both Dynel Simeu and Jordan Turnbull at centre-back, as the pair are still serving suspensions, so Neill Byrne and Tom Davies should instead be Mellon's choice at the heart of defence.

Elliott Nevitt was brought on for Paul Lewis in the away trip to Northampton, and although he did not score, he is the more natural striker, and could come into the team to provide a different option in attack.

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:

Crocombe; Smith, Waterfall, Maher, Khouri; Green, Kiernan, Holohan, Clifton, Khan; McAtee

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:

Doohan; Dacres-Cogley, Byrne, Davies, Bristow; Morris, O'Connor, Merrie, Hawkes; Nevitt, Hemmings

We say: Grimsby Town 0-0 Tranmere Rovers

Both sides are in poor form at the moment, with Grimsby particularly struggling to win home matches, so the likely outcome is a draw. In light of Tranmere struggling in front of goal, and the Mariners not scoring in two of their last three games, a stalemate is a real possibility.

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