Preview: Grimsby Town vs Crawley Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Grimsby Town and Crawley Town kick off their League Two campaigns this Saturday afternoon when the two teams meet at Blundell Park.

While the Mariners are looking to improve on their ninth-placed finish last season, the Red Devils will be hoping to quickly adjust to life in the fourth tier following their relegation from League One.

Match preview

Grimsby Town missed out on a place in the playoffs by just two points last season after enduring a woeful end to their campaign.

The Mariners picked up three measly wins from their last 11 matches as they surrendered their playoff ambitions and settled for a respectable top ten league finish.

David Artell, who has managed the club since November 2023, will now be looking to make further progress in what will be his second full season in charge.

Grimsby have made changes to their playing personnel over the summer, with nine players leaving the club and eight new faces coming in during the transfer window.

Crawley, on the other hand, are preparing for their return to League Two following a disappointing relegation last season.

The Red Devils finished third from bottom in League One last season, ending the campaign just one point away from safety.

What makes their relegation all the more disappointing is the fact they went on a four-match unbeaten run at the end of the season, winning their last three fixtures against Exeter City, Northampton Town and Shrewsbury Town.

Crawley, who were consigned to the fourth tier for nine straight seasons between 2015 and 2024, will now have to re-familiarise themselves with the competition following their brief one-season stint in League One.

Team News

Grimsby will be looking to unleash some of their new signings on Saturday, including midfielder Zak Gilsenan, who joined the Mariners on a permanent deal from Blackburn Rovers.

Justin Amaluzor and Reece Staunton, who also signed over the summer, will be looking to make their presence felt in the season opener.

Crawley, who have also seen a big turnaround in talent, will be looking to field a number of their new summer additions.

Liverpool-owned goalkeeper Harvey Davies, for instance, will be looking to impress after joining the club on loan.

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup: Pym; Warren, Tharme, Sweeney, Carson; Green, McEachran, Khouri; Vernam, Rose, Kabia

Crawley Town possible starting lineup: Davies; Conroy, Barker, Mukena; Williams, Watson, Anderson, Pereira, Forster; Adeyemo, McKirdy

We say: Grimsby Town 1-0 Crawley Town

Grimsby did not have a great home record last season, which is something they will be looking to change going into this new campaign.

Crawley, on the other hand, had a big overhaul of players over the summer, and it may be some time before we see the best of the Red Devils. With that in mind, we are backing the hosts to secure a win.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.