Away Win
Grimsby 1 - 3 Manchester United
Who will win?
1
Grimsby
x
Draw
2
Manchester United
Blundell Park is set for a blockbuster clash on Wednesday as Grimsby welcome Manchester United in the second round of the Carabao Cup, with the stage perfectly set for a giant-killing. United, who slumped to a 15th-place finish in last season’s Premier League, enter the competition far earlier than they’re accustomed to — and all the weight of expectation will be on their shoulders against a fearless League Two Grimsby side dreaming of a famous upset.
Key Betting Tip: Over 2.5 Goals & Manchester United to win @ 1.44 odds represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.
Grimsby Predicted XI: Pym; Rodgers, Warren, McJannet, Staunton; McEachran; Amaluzor, Turi, Khouri, Burns; Kabia
Manchester United Predicted XI: Bayindir; Yoro, Maguire, Heaven; Diallo, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbuemo, Cunha; Sesko
All eyes will be on Manchester United’s shaky start to the season as they head to Blundell Park. From their opening two Premier League games, the Red Devils have picked up just a single point — losing to Arsenal before being held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham on Sunday — leaving them languishing in 16th place. Pressure is already mounting, and this Carabao Cup tie comes at a tricky time.
Grimsby, meanwhile, couldn’t be in sharper contrast. Unbeaten in their first five League Two fixtures, the Mariners have racked up three wins and two draws, sitting proudly in 4th with 11 points. With momentum on their side and home advantage, they’ll relish the chance to pile the misery on United and create the first big shock of the competition.
It’s been nearly 80 years since these two clubs last faced off, so history offers little guidance for this clash. On paper, Manchester United are the clear favourites and will be expected to get the job done. But the magic of the cup is built on shocks — and with United looking shaky and under pressure, Grimsby will sense a golden opportunity to script an upset that would echo through the early rounds of the competition.
Most recent Head-to-Head Results
16.03.1948 Grimsby 1-1 Man Utd
10.10.1947 Man Utd 3-4 Grimsby
27.12.1946 Grimsby 0-0 Man Utd
30.08.1946 Man Utd 2-1 Grimsby
13.01.39 Man Utd 3-1 Grimsby
The last five meetings between these clubs have all been tightly contested, even if they came a lifetime ago. And while three divisions now separate Grimsby from Manchester United, the Red Devils’ current struggles suggest this could be another battle rather than a walkover. An underperforming United side against a fearless lower-league outfit has all the ingredients for a much closer contest than the gulf in status might suggest.
Grimsby Last 5 Matches:
Acc Stanley 1-1 Grimsby
Walsall 0-1 Grimsby
Grimsby 2-1 Newport
Grimsby 3-1 Shrewsbury
Harrogate 3-3 Grimsby
Grimsby come into this second-round clash brimming with confidence and in fine form. The Mariners are unbeaten in their last nine matches, winning three and drawing two of their previous five, and momentum is firmly on their side. United may be the giants on paper, but this tie is unlikely to be the stroll some of their fans are expecting.
Manchester Untied Last 5 Matches:
Fulham 1-1 Man Utd
Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal
Man Utd 1-1 Fiorentina (W on Pens)
Man Utd 2-2 Everton
Man Utd 4-1 Bournemouth
Despite showing signs of improvement in the first half against Fulham, it was yet another game without a win for Ruben Amorim’s side. Form must improve — the Reds have now gone four matches without a victory since their pre-season win over Bournemouth, discounting their friendly penalty shootout wins against Fiorentina. Pressure is mounting, and this shaky run could make them vulnerable heading into the cup tie.
Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with 60% confidence in a Over 2.5 Goals & Manchester United win. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.
Football Park’s Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals & Manchester United Win @ 1.44 - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted a Manchester United Win in this fixture. United have shown signs of improvement last time out, along with the head-to-head record justifies confidence in this selection.
**Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United) **
If given the nod, Mainoo will have a point to prove after being unused so far this season. His energy and creativity in midfield could be key to unlocking Grimsby’s defence.
**Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) **
Expected to make his first start for the club after two late substitute appearances, Sesko will be the focal point of United’s attack. His movement, finishing, and aerial threat could prove decisive against a determined lower-league backline.
**Jaze Kabia (Grimsby Town) **
Leading the line for the Mariners, Kabia’s pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat on the counter-attack. He’ll be key if Grimsby are to exploit United’s defensive lapses.
**Justin Amaluzor (Grimsby Town) **
Driving the midfield for Grimsby, Amaluzor’s work rate and creativity will be vital in transitioning from defence to attack and creating chances against a superior side.
Referee: Tom Harrington
Broadcast Details: Sky Sports an ITV
Stadium Information: Blundell Park is a football ground in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire, England and home to Grimsby Town Football Club. The stadium was built in 1899, but only one of the original stands remains. The current capacity of the ground is 9,052, after being made all-seater in summer 1995
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