MANCHESTER UNITED make the 115-mile trip to League Two Grimsby for tonight’s Carabao Cup second-round tie at Blundell Park.
Grimsby vs Man Utd preview
Manchester United will be out to avoid an almighty banana skin when they take on League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils splashed out a whopping £200million this summer on attacking trio Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo – but the feelgood factor generated from those arrivals is at risk of evaporating.
Ruben Amorim’s side earned plaudits but no points in their opener against Arsenal, before a frustrating 1-1 draw at Fulham that included a penalty miss from captain Bruno Fernandes.
Critics have accused United of only turning up for the ‘big games’ – and the stats back it up. Fulham won the possession charts, had more shots on target, more touches in the box, and a higher xG at Craven Cottage.
So with no European football on offer this season, Amorim is desperate for a confidence-boosting cup run to lift the mood around Old Trafford.
But standing in their way are an in-form Grimsby side, unbeaten in six and flying high in League Two.
David Artell’s men have netted 13 goals already this term, kept two clean sheets and sit fourth as they chase promotion back to League One for the first time in 22 years.
Grimsby have racked up more non-penalty shots than any other side in the division, with only Crewe boasting a higher xG. Only Crewe and Colchester have made more high turnovers.
- Grimsby 16/1 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
- Draw 8/1 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
- Man Utd 1/7 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE
Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Both teams to score – YES
We’re expecting a tricky night for Manchester United against an in-form, attack-minded Grimsby Town side with absolutely nothing to lose.
David Artell’s men have already bagged 13 goals this season and lead League Two for non-penalty shots, with only Crewe boasting a higher xG.
Grimsby have scored 2+ goals in each of their last five home games at Blundell Park, and we fancy them to find the net again – especially against a United side who’ve kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 games in all competitions, including friendlies.
- Both teams to score at 21/20 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
First goalscorer and correct score predictions
Grimsby vs Man Utd
- First goalscorer: Benjamin Sesko at 29/10 with Midnite – CLAIM HERE
- Correct score: 1-2 at 15/2 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE
Sesko starts
Benjamin Sesko will be desperate to get off the mark for Manchester United following his mega-money move from RB Leipzig this summer.
The Slovenian hasn’t started either of United’s Premier League games so far, but is expected to lead the line on Wednesday – and looks more than capable of finding the net against League Two opposition.
He’s something of a cup specialist, too, with 13 goals and four assists in just 16 domestic cup appearances across his career.
- Benjamin Sesko first OR last goalscorer at 8/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE
Terms and conditions
*Tote. New customers online only. Valid with code B10G50 on registration. Bet min £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€10 Sports Bet, 2 x £/€5 Sports Acca and 50 Free Spins. 7-day expiry. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet-slip. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Full T&Cs apply.
