Tigers need to justify their favourites tag
The objective is clear as Hull City and Grimsby Town meet in the Papa John’s Trophy. Victory for either will assure them of a place in the knockout stages of the competition and while it isn’t top of the list of priorities for either Grant Mccann or Ian Holloway, both managers are keen for progression.
For City, it’s an opportunity for Mccann to have valuable competitive matches to give his fringe players games and keep them firmly involved in the campaign as the frantic nature of the season continues and concerns about potential fatigue and injuries increase the value of having squad players fit and ready to step in when called upon.
There’s also the small matter of a Wembley appearance for the finalists and after the 2020 City have had, going to the capital to play in a final in 2021 will be the ideal tonic.
Tonight’s game pits north and south bank against each other for the first time this century.
You have to go back to this same tournament and a match in the 1997-98 season for the last time the two met, Town victors that Tuesday evening with a 1-0 win at Blundell Park thanks to a Danny Butterfield first-half goal.
Much has changed for both sides since that night but what will remain is the desire to get one over on a geographical rival at least.
City head into the match full of confidence on the back of three successive 2-0 victories in three different competitions and despite what will be a changed line-up for the Tigers, Mccann’s team will be favourites to see off the Mariners at the KCOM Stadium.
Prediction: Hull City 2 Grimsby Town 1 Team news
The Tigers are not far off full strength and while we won’t see Mccann’s best XI this evening, there are likely to be a smattering of players involved from Saturday.
In the last round at Harrogate
Tom Eaves, Thomas Mayer, Martin Samuelsen and Hakeeb Adelakun all featured and you would imagine will do so again for a City team bristling with options.
Right-back Lewie Coyle will also hope to make his comeback from a shoulder injury with a run-out, although there are questions over whether he will start.
Grimsby will welcome back a host of players for this clash. The Mariners take on their Humber rivals following a full week off after having no game on Saturday.
Holloway is hoping the timely break will see his men return refreshed and ready to put in a good performance.
He has been boosted by the return of some key players – including wide men Owura Edwards, Max Wright and Sean Scannell. Central midfielder Elliott Hewitt is also back in contention, but Luke Hendrie misses out with a groin problem.
Grimsby overview
The Mariners have had a difficult start to the season. Previously hit by coronavirus and with games to make up in League Two, a return of three victories from 10 matches is not what Holloway or the board want to see.
One win from their last seven games has increased the need for a good performance and ideally a good result this evening.
Beaten 3-1 at home last time out by Leicester City’s Under-21s, Grimsby haven’t played since and will come into the match fresh.
From the opposition dressing room
“We’ve got a really good game on our hands against Hull,” said Holloway.
“It’s a brilliant pitch, a fantastic surface to play on.
“They played on Saturday and we didn’t - so we should be ready.
“I am looking forward to a performance. I want a performance for as many minutes as we have got to play.
“Hull are a good side. I don’t know if they will pick the same team, but their manager has made some comments saying he wants to win it – not just this game but the whole thing.
“It will be a good test for us and one that I am really looking forward to.”
Fancy a flutter?
You won’t see a big return from backing Hull City with The Pools at a price of 4/6 on, with Grimsby offering the better price of 16/5 to emerge victorious at the KCOM Stadium.
The game will go to penalties if a draw at full-time and if you fancy a draw 13/5 is not a bad wager.
How about a goalless game?
Well if you’re brave enough to go down that route you can get 12/1 and another bet worth a punt could be Grimsby being first to score at 7/4.