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

Wrexham take on Grimsby Town at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday afternoon, in the latest round of League Two fixtures.

The hosts commence proceedings in seventh place, while the visitors are down in 12th, although they are just two points off the playoff places.

Match preview

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Wrexham have made a solid start to life back in the EFL, currently occupying a place in the playoff spots, having taken 12 points from their opening seven games.

The Red Dragons are now on a three-game winning run in all competitions, having defeated Newcastle United Under-21s 1-0 earlier this month, fresh off the back of a 1-0 victory against rivals Tranmere Rovers.

Phil Parkinson's side left it late in their match at home against bottom-of-the-table Doncaster Rovers last time out, but Elliott Lee popped up with an 88th-minute winner, extending the impressive record at the Racecourse Ground.

In their last three home league games, Wrexham have taken seven points in front of crowds of over 10,000 people, and they are now set to go head-to-head with Grimsby Town for the first time since May 2022.

Grimsby travelled to the Racecourse Ground for the National League playoffs in the 2021-22 season, and they came out on top in an enthralling encounter, winning 5-4 after extra time.

The Mariners went on to win promotion at Wembley that year, before having a solid first campaign back in the EFL last season, finishing in 11th place, and they will now be looking to challenge for promotion this season.

It has been a solid, if not spectacular start for Paul Hurst's side, collecting 10 points from their opening seven games, most recently picking up a decent point on the road in a 1-1 draw against Bradford City.

Grimsby are yet to get a win on the board away from home, losing three and drawing two of their opening five games, and it will be a tough ask for them to pick up three points against an in-form Wrexham side.

However, the Mariners have a very good recent record against their upcoming opponents, winning three of the last four matches between the two sides, and they will be hoping to leapfrog them in the table with a win on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

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Aaron Hayden has struggled with a number of injury issues this season, most recently picking up a thigh injury which forced him off in Wrexham's 2-1 win against Doncaster Rovers, so Max Cleworth could come into the side.

Paul Mullin missed the opening six games of the League Two season with a punctured lung, but the striker made his return as a substitute last time out, and he may replace Sam Dalby in the starting lineup this weekend.

Grimsby Town have no fresh injury issues to deal with, and Hurst may stick with the same starting XI that took on Bradford, considering his side put in a solid display, only being denied a victory by an 89th-minute equaliser.

Abobaker Eisa is the danger man for the Mariners, having already weighed in with four goals and one assist in League Two this season, and the 27-year-old should keep his place at left-wing.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Howard; Barnett, Cleworth, Tozer, Boyle, McAlinden; Young, O'Connor, Lee; Palmer, Mullin

Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:

Eastwood; Mullarkey, Rodgers, Maher, Amos; Conteh, Gnahoua, Holohan, Clifton, Eisa; Rose

We say: Wrexham 1-0 Grimsby Town

Wrexham have been in good form, winning their last three games in all competitions, and they are unbeaten at home since the opening day of the season.

On the other hand, Grimsby Town are yet to pick up a win away from home this season, so we think the hosts will take all three points this weekend.

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