Preview: Grimsby Town vs. Carlisle United - prediction, team news, lineups

Grimsby Town play host to Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon searching for the victory that will keep them on the coattails of the playoff spots.

As for Carlisle, they are hoping that a change in manager will lead to an upturn in fortunes as they sit bottom of the League Two table.

Match preview

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Having lost 29 of his 63 matches in charge of Grimsby, David Artell cannot be overly satisfied, yet his side are just about clinging on to a playoff bid.

On the back of five games without success, the Mariners earned a much-needed 2-0 victory at the home of Bromley last time out.

As well as keeping their first clean sheet since December 29, Grimsby remained within six points of fourth position, expectations starting to grow again at Blundell Park.

While Grimsby are on a four-game unbeaten run at home, they remain with just the 17th-best return on familiar territory in the division.

That is largely due to 23 goals having been conceded in 14 games at home, the second-worst defensive return in the fourth tier of English football.

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Earlier this week, Carlisle made the decision to part ways with Mike Williamson after a 14th defeat in 25 matches at the helm.

Despite a recent 2-1 victory at Fleetwood Town, it was deemed that a 5-1 reverse at the hands of Swindon Town was the final straw.

Greg Abbott - who has previously managed the club between 2008 and 2013 - has been placed in caretaker charge, a step up from his role as head of recruitment, but former Bradford City boss Mark Hughes was brought into the dugout on Thursday.

His first task is trying to deliver improvements on their travels. Carlisle have scored just 11 times in 14 away games, albeit still posting 12 points during those contests.

Team News

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Lewis Cass will be missing for Grimsby after he was sent off having been previously introduced as a substitute.

Therefore, the starting lineup could remain the same after Artell's side posted a win at Bromley.

Geza David Turi has just arrived from Vikingur - the champions of the Faroe Islands - and may be involved in the squad.

Carlisle are also missing a player through suspension after Jordan Jones was dismissed for two yellow cards against Swindon.

Cameron Harper could be introduced at left wing-back, but the starting lineup is a complete unknown with Hughes having only being appointed as manager on Thursday.

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup: Wright; Rodgers, Tharme, McJannet; Svanthorsson, Thompson, Khouri, Hume; Green; Rose, Obikwu

Carlisle United possible starting lineup: Breeze; Lavelle, Thomas, McArthur; Williams, Patching, Whelan, Harper; Harris, Embleton; Hugill

We say: Grimsby Town 2-0 Carlisle United

With Carlisle having made a managerial change, it remains to be seen whether they can make an immediate change on the results front. For us, though, we can only back Grimsby to come through in relatively-comfortable fashion.

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