Grimsby Town
Blackpool
Grimsby Town vs Blackpool Predictions, Picks & Odds – 08/08/2026
Grimsby Town vs Blackpool – Best bets of the match
Grimsby Town vs Blackpool Preview
Grimsby Town head into this Carabao Cup first-round clash at Blundell Park brimming with confidence after a productive pre-season campaign. The Mariners lost just once across seven warm-up fixtures, rounding off preparations with a convincing 2-0 victory over League One side Wigan Athletic. Summer additions Andy Cook, Josh Andrews, and goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright have bolstered the squad, while the recent appointment of Tom Culshaw as Assistant Head Coach adds fresh tactical input.
Blackpool travel to Cleethorpes in worrying form, having lost three of their four pre-season friendlies, including a 1-0 defeat to Port Vale. The Seasiders have failed to find the net in three consecutive matches, a barren run that will concern head coach and supporters alike. Injuries have further complicated matters, with several key players missing from first-team training and new signings Jordan Williams, Dion Charles, Ilmari Niskanen, and Karoy Anderson still adjusting to their surroundings.
The double chance selection backing Grimsby Town or the draw rests on a clear disparity in preparation. The Mariners lost just once across seven pre-season fixtures, finishing with a convincing victory over Wigan Athletic. Blackpool, by contrast, dropped three of four friendlies and failed to score in their last three outings. That goalscoring drought heading into competitive football is a serious concern for the Seasiders.
Grimsby's squad looks settled and strengthened. Andy Cook, Josh Andrews, and Harvey Cartwright have all arrived over the summer, giving manager David Artell genuine depth. Blackpool have brought in Jordan Williams, Dion Charles, and others, but integrating new signings while dealing with a significant injury list has disrupted their rhythm. The home side at 2.41 carries real appeal here.
Last season's Carabao Cup heroics, when Grimsby stunned Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday, proved this club thrives in knockout competition at Blundell Park. The under 2.5 goals line at 1.91 also merits attention given Blackpool's inability to find the net recently. Odds correct at time of publication. Backing the 1X double chance, covered by the home win price at 2.41, represents the strongest angle for this fixture.
Trends to Know about Grimsby Town vs Blackpool
- Grimsby lost once in seven pre-season games
- Blackpool scoreless in three straight friendlies
- Mariners beat League One Wigan 2-0
Form & Statistics: Grimsby Town vs Blackpool
Grimsby Town
Season statistics
Blackpool
Season statistics
Lineups: Grimsby Town vs Blackpool
Grimsby Town
Starters
- 1 Harvey Cartwright
- 2 Reece Staunton
- 3 Maldini Kacurri
- 4 Cameron McJannett
- 5 Harvey Rodgers
- 6 Kieran Green
- 7 Géza Dávid Turi
- 8 Darragh Burns
- 9 Charles Vernam
- 10 Jaze Kabia
- 11 Andy Cook
Bench
- Christy Pym
- Justin Amaluzor
- George McEachran
- Tyrell Warren
- Douglas Tharme
- Clark Odour
Absent
- Jude Soonsup-Bell (injury)
Blackpool
Starters
- 1 Bailey Peacock-Farrell
- 2 Oliver Casey
- 3 Reuell Walters
- 4 Hayden Coulson
- 5 CJ Hamilton
- 6 Jordan Williams
- 7 Leighton Clarkson
- 8 Karoy Anderson
- 9 Josh Bowler
- 10 Dale Taylor
- 11 Tom Bloxham
Bench
- Andy Lyons
- Joel Randall
- Zachary Ashworth
- Ryan Finnigan
Absent
- Oluchi Nwankwo (Knee problem sustained in a friendly last week.)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry speculated status here, drawn from multiple sources but not yet confirmed by either club. Grimsby set up in a compact 4-1-4-1 with Andy Cook as the lone striker, while Blackpool counter with a wing-heavy 3-5-2, giving Leighton Clarkson licence to dictate tempo from midfield.
The tactical contrast is the real talking point: Grimsby's narrow midfield block will need to track Blackpool's wing-backs diligently, and Darragh Burns on the right could be central to any home counter-attacking threat. Treat both projected XIs with a degree of caution until official confirmation arrives closer to kickoff.
How to Watch Grimsby Town vs Blackpool Match?
What time is Grimsby Town vs Blackpool?
Grimsby Town host Blackpool at Blundell Park on 8 August 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 PM local time.
Where is Grimsby Town vs Blackpool being played?
This Carabao Cup first-round tie will be played at Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town.
How Can I Watch Grimsby Town vs Blackpool on TV and Live Stream?
This Carabao Cup tie is available to watch via Sky Sports and the Carabao Cup's official streaming platforms.
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