Our expert expects Man Utd to book their spot in the next round of the English Football League Cup, but not without some struggles on the night.
Best bets for Grimsby vs Man Utd
- Man Utd Moneyline @ -590 with BetMGM
- BTTS - Yes @ +125 with BetMGM
- First goal - Grimsby to score first @ +425 with BetMGM
All odds are courtesy of BetMGM, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
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Tricky tie for the Red Devils
On paper, Man Utd should easily walk into the third round of the Carabao Cup, but there aren’t many straightforward ties in English football. Grimsby are a tricky side, and they have a record of scoring at least once in each of their last nine outings.
While David Artell’s men are likely to pierce the United defence, knocking the visitors out is a tough task. The Red Devils are winless in the Premier League after two games (one loss, one draw), but they have shown their quality against lower-ranked opposition.
Their unbeaten run in the Premier League Summer Series is an indicator of what they’re capable of. With 10 goals in their five League Two fixtures, the hosts can hope to score here, especially as four of United’s previous six matches produced more than two goals.
- Grimsby vs Man Utd Betting Tip 1: Man Utd Moneyline @ -590 with BetMGM
Potent attack & fragile defence
Artell’s men have been efficient in front of goal for a while now; they put three past Shrewsbury in the previous round to get here. The problem lies in their backline, as they haven’t been as solid as they’d like, having conceded seven goals in their last five games.
Four of their last five produced goals at both ends. Meanwhile, United were held scoreless in their opening weekend against Arsenal. They did look sharp in the final third, but they lacked the finishing touch. Cunha, Sesko, Mbeumo, and Fernandes pose enough attacking threat to see them home on Wednesday night.
Notably, 83% of the Red Devils’ last six outings saw both teams score on the day. While Amorim’s exact lineup remains uncertain, defensive frailties could provide the hosts with opportunities.
- Grimsby vs Man Utd Betting Tip 2: BTTS - Yes @ +125 with BetMGM
Home edge to pay off early
The key to this fixture could be who strikes first. Playing at home is a huge advantage for Grimsby, as their fans will be energised by the rare chance to host a club of Manchester United’s calibre.
The electric atmosphere could spark a fast start. This could allow the hosts to seize the lead against a side still searching for their first win of the season. Early nerves could create tense moments for the visitors.
The Mariners have opened the scoring in each of their last four outings, while United needed an own goal at the weekend to register their first goal of the season. Any changes to the visitors’ starting XI could further unsettle their defence, which will leave the door open for the hosts.
- Grimsby vs Man Utd Betting Tip 3: First goal - Grimsby to score first @ +425 with BetMGM
Our analysis: Form of both teams
Despite competing in the fourth tier of English football, Grimsby Town have made a far better start to their league campaign than Manchester United. After their first five games, the Mariners are fifth in the standings and are one of only five sides yet to suffer a defeat.
While there may be a large gap in quality between these sides, the hosts can approach this match with confidence, hoping to trouble the visitors. Their form at Blundell Park gives them reason to believe an upset is possible.
For Ruben Amorim, pre-season results and some crucial incomings pointed to a promising season for his Manchester United team. Their opening-day performance against Arsenal reflected that, as there were several positives for the Portuguese manager to take note of.
However, their inability to win at Craven Cottage for another season has raised concerns again, especially among the fanbase. Adding to the frustration, Bruno Fernandes’ penalty miss could have given them the lead and potentially change the outcome.
Nonetheless, the Red Devils must pick themselves up for this midweek trip as 10 other Premier League sides commence their Carabao Cup campaigns. With no European football for the first time in 11 seasons, United should see this competition as a genuine opportunity to secure silverware this term.
Probable lineups for Grimsby vs Man Utd
Grimsby expected lineup: Pym; Rodgers, Warren, McJannett, Staunton; McEachran; Amaluzor, Turi, Khouri, Burns; Kabia
Man Utd expected lineup: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Mainoo, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko