Preview: Grimsby Town vs. Accrington Stanley - prediction, team news, lineups

Grimsby Town and Accrington Stanley return to action in the EFL Trophy when they go head to head in the second round at Blundell Park on Tuesday.

The Mariners head into the midweek contest fresh off the back of ending-their seven-game winless run in the League One and will look to build on that result.

Match preview

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Grimsby Town failed to move into the top half of the League Two standings as they could only salvage a late 1-1 draw against Stevenage when the sides squared off on Saturday.

Following an uneventful first half, former Brentford midfielder Jake Reeves broke the deadlock with a 79th-minute strike but centre-back Niall Maher struck in the first minute of stoppage time to force a share of the spoils.

Paul Hurst's men have now failed to taste victory in each of their last five league matches, picking up two draws and losing three since a 3-1 victory at Stockport County on October 15.

Grimsby Town, who are currently 16th in the League Two table, now turn their attention to the EFL Trophy, where they clinched top spot in Group F after claiming five points from their three matches.

The Mariners head into Tuesday unbeaten in all but one of their last six home matches across all competitions — claiming three wins and two draws — with a 3-1 loss against Doncaster Rovers on November 12 being the only exception.

Accrington Stanley, on the other hand, returned to winning ways in League One last time out when they narrowly saw off Cambridge United 1-0 away from home.

In a cagey affair at the Abbey Stadium, Harvey Rodgers scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half time to condemn the hosts to their 11th league defeat.

Prior to that, Accrington Stanley were on a disappointing run of six defeats in their last seven league matches, with a 1-1 draw against Lincoln City on November 1 being the only exception

Consequently, victory on Saturday saw John Coleman's men move level on 20 points with 20th-placed Cambridge United in the League One table, six points above Milton Keynes Dons in the relegation zone.

While Stanley have struggled to get going in the league this season, they have enjoyed a solid cup run, picking up six points from three EFL Trophy games to reach the knockout stages after finishing runners-up in Group D.

Accrington Stanley also secured their place in the second round of the FA Cup when they claimed a comfortable 4-1 victory over Crawley Town at the Broadfield Stadium on November 5.

Team News

Grimsby Town will have to cope without 34-year-old forward Ryan Taylor, who picked up an injury in the game against Hartlepool United on October 29.

He is joined on the club's injury table by Canadian youngster Aribim Pepple, who is set to miss his fourth consecutive match through a muscle problem.

Gavan Holohan has racked up four goal involvements in his last eight outings and the Irishman should come into the XI after sitting out Saturday's game against Stevenage.

As for Accrington Stanley, Coleman will be unable to call upon 22-year-old defender Jay Rich-Baghuelou, who is currently recuperating from an injury that he sustained back in August.

The midfield trio of David Morgan, Mohammed Sangare and Matt Lowe continue their spells on the sidelines and will play no part in Tuesday's matchup, while Michael Nottingham continues his long road to full fitness after suffering an ACL injury in April.

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:

Crocombe; Waterfall, Maher, Smith; Efete, Clifton Morris, Green, Amos; McAtee, Khan

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Savin; Fernandes, Tharme, Rodgers; Clark, Conneely, Coyle Longelo; Hamilton, Whalley, Leigh

We say: Grimsby Town 2-1 Accrington Stanley

Looking at past results between the sides, we anticipate a thrilling contest with plenty of goalmouth action. Grimsby Town have been solid in front of their home fans in recent weeks and we predict they will do just enough to come away victorious on Tuesday.

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