Grimsby Town are set to host Gillingham at Blundell Park on Tuesday in a clash that could affect the race for promotion in League Two.
Both sides are looking for their first win in 2025, and midweek represents a great opportunity for them to get back on track.
Match preview
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David Artell's Grimsby are just six points behind seventh-placed Bradford City in the race for the playoffs, though they have lost ground having not won any of their last four league games, and have played more matches than Bradford, AFC Wimbledon and Notts County.
Most recently, the Mariners lost 3-0 on the road to Barrow, and were victims of the new manager bounce despite boasting a dominant 72% possession.
That result means that Artell's side have now lost three and drawn just one of their games in 2025, though given they are playing at Blundell Park this week, it is important to stress that their home record has been better.
Tuesday's hosts have won two and drawn one of their last three home games - losing just once in their most recent five - and if they want to keep their dreams of promotion alive, then they will have to channel the energy of the home crowd to put points on the board.
That being said, only relegation-threatened Newport County have conceded more goals than Grimsby this term, and given that they have let in 10 goals since New Year's Day, achieving a positive result will rely entirely on their defence remaining solid.
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Meanwhile, John Coleman's Gillingham have endured a similarly poor stretch in recent weeks, bookending a four-game loss streak with draws against Cheltenham Town and Tranmere Rovers.
In that draw with Rovers, the Gills came from behind to earn a point, though they had to rely on goalkeeper Glenn Morris to make four saves and needed opposition centre-back Jordan Turnbull to level the score with an own goal.
Coleman's side have not fared well on the road either, and their record of just one win and two draws from their eight away league games stretching back to September does not bode well for this week's clash.
However, Gillingham's defensive record contrasts starkly with their hosts', as only promotion-chasing Crewe, Wimbledon and Salford City have conceded fewer than their tally of 26 this campaign, and their rigidity could give them the edge over their opponents despite the disparity in league position.
Team News
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Grimsby are likely to be without left-back Denver Hume, after he was taken off with an injury against Barrow.
In his absence, expect Matthew Carson to be positioned on the left-hand side of a defence featuring Lewis Cass, Harvey Rodgers and Cameron McJannett.
As for Gillingham, striker Jimmy Morgan was withdrawn late on against Tranmere Rovers with an injury, and Oliver Hawkins could take his place in midweek.
Should Coleman start Hawkins, he would be joined by Elliott Nevitt up top, and supported by Bradley Dack from an attacking midfield role.
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Wright; Cass, Rodgers, McJannett, Carson; McEachran, Khouri; Luker, Green, Svanthorsson; Obikwu
Gillingham possible starting lineup:
Morris; McKenzie, Ehmer, Ogie; Hutton, Khumbeni, Little, Nolan; Nevitt, Dack, Hawkins
We say: Grimsby Town 1-1 Gillingham
Grimsby will be particularly desperate to take all three points this week and avoid losing even more ground on their promotion rivals.
However, their defensive record means that Gillingham are likely to score, and they may take home a share of the spoils on Tuesday as a result.
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