Grimsby Town host Nottingham Forest in the second round of the EFL Cup. Both teams were promoted last season and will be hoping to deliver their fans with a cup run to get behind. The match is schedules for Tuesday, with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Despite only finishing sixth in the National League last season, Grimsby bounced back to the Football League at the first time of asking. Paul Hurst’s side won after extra-time against Notts County, Wrexham, and Solihull Moors in a remarkable run through the playoffs.
Gavan Holahan’s 96th-minute equalizer against the former proved crucial as The Mariners went on an unforgettable run. With four points from their opening four matches in League Two, Hurst will be confident his side can avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle.
Their 4-0 win against Crewe Alexandra in the first round of the EFL Cup was a great way to mark their return to the competition.
Forest has adapted well to life in the Premier League, having beaten West Ham United and drawn with Everton. After losing their opening day match against Newcastle United, Steve Cooper will be pleased his players secured a point at Goodison Park. Still, he knows he must be patient before expecting any potential fireworks from his new signings.
Grimsby Town vs. Nottingham Forest Head to Head
Both sides have 14 games against each other, with hosts taking three wins while visitors with seven wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Grimsby Town 0-0 Sutton United
- Rochdale 0-1 Grimsby Town
- Grimsby Town 4-0 Crewe Alexandra
- Grimsby Town 1-1 Northampton Town
Away
- Everton 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- Nottingham Forest 1-0 West Ham
- Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest
- Nottingham Forest 1-1 Valencia
Grimsby Town Team News
Manager Hurst picked a strong team in the previous round’s crushing of Crewe, so there seems to be no reason why he would change tact against superior opposition. Danny Amos could slot in at left-back, though, with Ryan Taylor potentially rested in attack to allow Aribim Pepple another shot at leading the line.
Nottingham Forest Team News
Meanwhile, defender Moussa Niakhate is expected to miss the game after missing Saturday’s trip to Merseyside with a hamstring strain. New signing Morgan Gibbs-White could start at left-back, while Emmanuel Dennis, Remo Freuler, Cheikhou Kouyate, and Giulian Biancone are likely to make their debuts.
Prediction and Odds
With so many newcomers likely given a chance by Cooper, Grimsby could be a little disjointed.
- Away Win
- Goals Over 2.5
- No Score: Home
