Preview: Solihull Moors vs. Grimsby Town - prediction, team news, lineups

While Solihull are bidding to reach the EFL for the first time in their history, Grimsby are attempting to seal a bounce-back return to the fourth tier of English football.

Match preview

Having finished down in sixth position during the regular season, Grimsby were regarded as outsiders to earn promotion, particularly when considering that none of their following fixtures would be played at Blundell Park.

However, the Mariners have used their underdog status to their advantage, upsetting each of Notts County and Wrexham to book their place in East London.

Both triumphs have come after extra time, Saturday's contest versus the latter going down in the history books as arguably the greatest-ever game since the creation of the playoffs at this level.

After initially going behind, Grimsby led 2-1 and 4-3 before Wrexham forced extra time, only for Luke Waterfall to power in his second header of an enthralling contest in the 119th minute to secure a 5-4 success.

Even though Paul Hurst has witnessed his team concede four goals in two of their last three outings, the Grimsby boss will have total confidence that his players can outlast Solihull on the biggest stage that their opponents have ever experienced.

That is not to say that the Moors should be regarded as the underdogs for this contest, the West Midlands outfit having recorded six wins in succession.

Unlike their upcoming opponents who have twice played 120 minutes to reach the final, Solihull were afforded a two-week break before their last-four showdown with Chesterfield.

Neal Ardley's side soon went behind, perhaps owing to that prolonged rest period, but they stormed back to lead at half time and eventually run out 3-1 winners.

Impressively, they have now scored at least three goals in their last five outings, a return which sets up the mouthwatering prospect of a hugely-entertaining clash at the ground of West Ham United.

That said, this is one of the biggest games in the history of both clubs, and shows of character will be just as important as having a cool head in the final third.

Solihull Moors National League form:

Grimsby Town National League form:

Team News

Barring any injury issues, Solihull could line up with the same side from the victory over Chesterfield.

Jamey Osborne - formerly of Grimsby - serves the final game of a three-match suspension for a red card against Dagenham & Redbridge on May 7.

Even with two successive games involving extra time, Hurst is also unlikely to tinker with his Grimsby XI for this contest.

If a change does occur, it may see Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who was outstanding after coming off the substitutes' bench against Wrexham, replacing Ryan Taylor.

Solihull Moors possible starting lineup:

McDonnell; Clarke, Howe, Gudger, Boyes; Storer, Maycock; Sbarra, Barnett, Dallas; Hudlin

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:

Crocombe; Cropper, Waterfall, Smith, Amos; Fox, Holohan; Clifton, McAtee, Sousa; Taylor

We say: Solihull Moors 1-2 Grimsby Town

With the stakes having been raised, no-one should expect the flurry of goals from the semi-finals stage. Nevertheless, we cannot ignore Grimsby's resilience during their game at Wrexham, leading us to predict a narrow victory for a team who may just have the edge in the final third.

Previews by email