Carabao Cup

Grimsby Town

08 Aug 2026 15:00

Blackpool

Prediction:

Grimsby Town to win 2.40

View Odds >

Pick your prediction

Grimsby TownDraw Blackpool

Grimsby Town vs Blackpool Predictions, Picks & Odds – 08/08/2026

Carabao Cup · 1st Round

Our prediction

1X: Double Chance Grimsby Town or Draw

2.40 on William Hill · Confidence Medium

Odds recorded on 07 Aug 2026 at 07:17 · Odds are subject to change

Grimsby Town vs Blackpool Preview

Grimsby Town welcome Blackpool to Blundell Park buoyed by a productive pre-season that yielded just one defeat in seven outings. The Mariners rounded off their preparations with a 2-0 victory over League One side Wigan Athletic on 1 August, a result that underlined their readiness for competitive action. New signings Andy Cook, Josh Andrews, and goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright have bolstered the squad, and memories of last season's remarkable Carabao Cup run remain fresh.

Blackpool arrive on the Humber coast in considerably less convincing shape. Ian Evatt's side have lost their last three friendlies without scoring, culminating in a 1-0 defeat to Port Vale on 1 August. Injuries have plagued their pre-season, with several key players missing from first-team training. Summer recruits Jordan Williams, Dion Charles, Ilmari Niskanen, and Karoy Anderson offer fresh options, yet integrating new faces amid such disruption is no straightforward task.

Grimsby's pre-season preparations offer genuine encouragement. The Mariners beat League One side Wigan 2-0 on August 1, demonstrating they can compete against higher-ranked opposition. New arrivals Andy Cook, Josh Andrews, and Harvey Cartwright add depth to a squad already brimming with confidence after last season's remarkable Carabao Cup run past Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday.

Blackpool, by contrast, arrive in poor shape. Three consecutive friendly defeats without scoring a single goal is a troubling sign, compounded by manager Ian Evatt's admission of an injury-hit pre-season with several key players missing from training. Their four summer signings have had limited time to gel within a disrupted squad.

The double chance on Grimsby, covering a home win or draw, represents the value selection here. The Mariners have lost just once in seven head-to-head meetings with Blackpool, winning four, and their home advantage at Blundell Park should not be underestimated. The home win price at 2.40 anchors this pick, while the draw at 3.30 provides additional cover against a side struggling for cohesion. Odds correct at time of publication.

Trends to Know about Grimsby Town vs Blackpool

• Grimsby lost once in seven pre-season matches
• Blackpool scoreless in three straight friendlies
• Grimsby won four of last seven meetings

Both lineups carry speculated status, drawn from a single source, so some late changes remain possible before kickoff. The tactical contrast is clear enough: Grimsby's 4-1-4-1 sets a compact midfield platform, with Andy Cook as the focal point up front, whilst Blackpool's 3-5-2 looks to exploit the flanks through their wing-backs.

Blackpool's back three will need to hold firm against Grimsby's midfield runners, and Leighton Clarkson figures to be the creative fulcrum in the visitors' engine room. For a first-round Carabao Cup tie, the shape of this match could hinge on which side better manages the transition between defence and attack.

How to Watch Grimsby Town vs Blackpool Match?

What time is Grimsby Town vs Blackpool?

Kickoff at Blundell Park is set for 15:00 BST on Saturday 8 August 2026.

Where is Grimsby Town vs Blackpool being played?

This fixture takes place at Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town, in Cleethorpes.

How Can I Watch Grimsby Town vs Blackpool on TV and Live Stream?

Check your local listings for Carabao Cup first-round broadcast details, as coverage varies by region.