Grimsby Town can move above Accrington Stanley in League Two's table by beating them on Saturday.
The home side claimed a 2-2 draw away to Tranmere Rovers last time out, while Accrington defeated Forest Green Rovers 2-1.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having performed above expectations to claim a top-half finish in their first season back in the EFL following their dramatic promotion via the playoffs in the previous campaign, Grimsby have started a little slower than they may have liked this time around.
Only Notts County managed to defeat the Mariners across their opening seven games of the season, but three consecutive defeats to Wrexham, Crawley Town and Swindon Town saw them slide down the table.
However, after finally stopping the rot by beating Barrow, Paul Hurst's side secured a respectable 2-2 draw away to Tranmere last weekend. Grimsby had led 2-1 at half time, but Connor Jennings claimed a point for the hosts by scoring just after the hour mark.
Having lost just two of their last 16 league games at Blundell Park, Hurst and his players should be confident of beating Accrington on Saturday, especially with the incentive to move above their opponents in the table on offer.
© Reuters
Accrington, meanwhile, were finally relegated after enjoying five seasons in League One, and they will still harbour hopes of returning to the third tier at the first attempt.
Despite losing several key players during the summer transfer window, John Coleman's side have remained fiercely competitive, with their 2-1 win against Forest Green last time out seeing them move within three points of the playoff places.
Josh Andrews struck either side of half time to provide Stanley with a comfortable two-goal cushion, but Mathew Stevens' late strike for the visitors set up a nervy finish at Wham Stadium. However, the hosts stood firm to claim three crucial points.
Depending on results elsewhere, another victory this weekend could see them move into the top-seven positions, with Mansfield Town, Crewe Alexandra and Wrexham all sitting three points ahead of them between fifth and seventh respectively.
Team News
© Reuters
Donovan Wilson was withdrawn after just 29 minutes against Tranmere, with his replacement Rekeil Pyke scoring his side's crucial second goal 15 minutes later. As such, Pyke appears likely to start here, especially if Wilson remains sidelined through injury.
Niall Maher was an unused substitute in Merseyside and appears out of favour at present, with Luke Waterfall and Harvey Rodgers set to continue at the heart of the hosts' defence.
Accrington, meanwhile, appear likely to continue with Joe Pritchard in a creative midfield role. The 27-year-old has now started four consecutive league games since recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture.
Korede Adedoyin is pushing for a starting berth after impressing from the bench against Forest Green, but at present, Coleman appears to view the winger as being more useful as an impact substitute.
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Eastwood; Mullarkey, Waterfall, Rodgers, Efete; Clifton, Conteh, Andrews, Eisa; Pyke, Rose
Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:
McCracken; Lowe, Hills, Gubbins, Longelo; Martin, Woods; Nolan, Pritchard, Whalley; Andrews
We say: Grimsby Town 2-2 Accrington Stanley
Both sides have been scoring and conceding relatively freely during the opening period of the campaign, so we expect to see an entertaining encounter play out in Lincolnshire.
Neither team should have any concerns about relegation this season, but equally a playoff push could be slightly beyond them, and we can envisage a score draw on Saturday.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
