In what could be a shootout for the remaining play-off spots, Grimsby Town will welcome Salford City with both sides looking to assert themselves further into the promotion picture.
The hosts sit eleventh in the League Two table, after an impressive away victory at Notts County at the weekend. While Salford occupy the final play-off position after ending a dismal run of form with a win at Colchester United.
A win would see the Mariners leapfrog their opponents on goal difference, while the hosts would become more comfortable in the top seven with a win.
The State Of Play
An impressive January window had many put Salford down as certainties for the top three, but there is now ground to make up. Four consecutive league defeats have left Karl Robinson’s side four points adrift of third-placed MK Dons. However, winning this game would halve the gap with an equal number of games played.
Similar to their opponents, many had the Mariners down as automatic promotion contenders earlier in the season. A dismal patch of form across November and December left David Artell’s side with work to do if they are to secure a play-off spot.
The signings of talisman Andy Cook and shot-stopper Jackson Smith have vastly improved the Mariners’ ability to be decisive in games. This has shown throughout 2026, where they have only lost once; however, draws against Newport County and a ten-man Walsall have been disappointing in recent weeks.
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In October, the reverse fixture saw Artell’s side cruise to a comfortable victory – with goals courtesy of Evan Khouri and Charles Vernam.
Tactical Themes
David Artell has predominantly set up in a 4-3-3 formation throughout the season. This has been a cause for conversation since the arrival of Andy Cook in January, which has seen top-scorer Jaze Kabia move onto the right-hand side.
A number of changes can be expected for the hosts tomorrow night. Cook and Kabia were on the bench last Saturday, alongside star midfielder Kieran Green. The left-back spot has been a point of contention for the Mariners this season, with Jayden Sweeney and Reece Staunton possessing their own unique qualities.
Meanwhile, Karl Robinson has often used a 3-1-4-2 formation this campaign. However, that was changed last weekend, when Ryan Graydon appeared to be deployed on his own in a 5-4-1 formation, a tactical change that gave the club a much-needed victory.
Cole Stockton could be recalled to the starting line-up, with his goal proving decisive in Essex last weekend. Rotation is quite vital for Robinson this week, where they will face two direct play-off rivals, with the challenge of Barnet coming up on Saturday. If the Ammies aren’t to gain results this week, play-offs could be a difficult prospect.
Both sides generally play with the bulk of possession, but the Mariners should be expected to have the majority of the ball on Tuesday night.
Additionally, they are both quite front-footed. Leading several statistics for chances created, shots on target, and xG in League Two this season.
The Deck Verdict
In what will be a tightly contested fixture between two of the best sides to watch in the division, it could certainly define the two clubs’ seasons.
Attacking outputs have been impressive for both sides, and this could be a true test of the Grimsby Town backline, which has generally held strong since the turn of the year.
Both sides enter the match off the back of vital away victories and will be hungry to assert themselves in the promotion picture. With Grimsby’s solidarity at the back and a rested strike partnership of Andy Cook and Jaze Kabia, this may prove decisive tomorrow night.
