Grimsby Town
Blackpool
>Grimsby Town vs Blackpool Prediction & Betting Tips – 08/08/2026
Blundell Park plays host to a tasty Carabao Cup first round clash on 8 August as Grimsby Town welcome Blackpool in a cross-division encounter brimming with intrigue. The Mariners, a League Two outfit, will fancy their chances against League One opposition after last season's remarkable cup run saw them topple Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday en route to the fourth round. David Artell's side carry genuine momentum into this tie, while Blackpool arrive nursing an injury-hit pre-season. The prize: a place in round two and early-season bragging rights.
Match Analysis
Grimsby Town enter this Carabao Cup first-round tie as marginal home favourites at 2.40, backed by a defensively impressive pre-season and genuine cup pedigree after last season's remarkable run to the fourth round.
- 0.4 goals conceded per game across five pre-season matches signals a well-organised backline.
- Carabao Cup wins over Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday last season prove cup competitiveness.
- 6 wins in last 7 head-to-head meetings give Grimsby a strong psychological edge over Blackpool.
- New arrivals Andy Cook, Josh Andrews, and goalkeeper Harvey Cartwright add fresh quality to the squad.
Blackpool arrive as the higher-league side from League One, yet 2.80 reflects serious doubts. Four confirmed absentees, Ihiekwe, Honeyman, Charles, and Nwankwo, plus Horsfall doubtful, strip Neil Critchley's squad of crucial depth.
- Four confirmed outfield absentees including Ihiekwe and Honeyman severely limit squad options.
- Horsfall remains doubtful after ankle surgery, further weakening defensive cover at the back.
- Pre-season record of 3W 2L shows inconsistency despite a one-division league advantage.
Key point: With Blackpool's attacking resources depleted and Grimsby's defensive solidity evident, a low-scoring affair makes the double chance home or draw a complementary angle worth considering alongside 3.30.
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 Harvey Rodgers
- 3 Maldini Kacurri
- 4 Cameron McJannett
- 5 Reece Staunton
- 6 Géza Dávid Turi
- 7 Kieran Green
- 8 Jamie Walker
- 9 Darragh Burns
- 10 Charles Vernam
- 11 Andy Cook
Bench
- Christy Pym
- Jaze Kabia
- Justin Amaluzor
- Josh Andrews
- Douglas Tharme
- Clark Odour
Absent
- Jude Soonsup-Bell (injury)
Blackpool
Starters
- 1 Bailey Peacock-Farrell
- 2 Oliver Casey
- 3 Reuell Walters
- 4 Andy Lyons
- 5 CJ Hamilton
- 6 Hayden Coulson
- 7 Leighton Clarkson
- 8 Karoy Anderson
- 9 Jordan Brown
- 10 Dale Taylor
- 11 Niall Ennis
Bench
- Franco Ravizzoli
- Tom Bloxham
- Ilmari Niskanen
- Zachary Ashworth
- Joel Randall
Absent
- Michael Ihiekwe (Absent from first-team training.)
- George Honeyman (Absent from first-team training.)
- Dion Charles (Absent from first-team training.)
- Oluchi Nwankwo (Knee problem sustained in a friendly last week.)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculated status ahead of this Carabao Cup first-round tie, so the formations shown above should be treated as informed projections rather than confirmed selections. That said, the anticipated 4-1-4-1 versus 3-5-2 contest offers a compelling tactical contrast, with Grimsby's narrow midfield block set to be tested by Blackpool's wing-back width.
Andy Cook leads the line for the hosts as an experienced focal point, while Leighton Clarkson shapes up as the creative hub in Blackpool's five-man midfield. If the formations hold, the battle for central territory could prove decisive in what promises to be a competitive early-season cup fixture.
Our Verdict
Grimsby's double chance, covering a home win or draw, represents the standout pick here. Their pre-season record of three wins and two draws without defeat, conceding fewer than half a goal per match, points to a side well drilled defensively under David Artell. The head-to-head record further strengthens the case: four wins and two draws from the last seven meetings with the Seasiders. Blackpool's injury to Dion Charles weakens their attacking options. Back Grimsby Town not to lose at 2.40, with under 2.5 goals at 1.85 a solid secondary pick. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Grimsby Town vs Blackpool?
The double chance covering Grimsby or the draw appeals most here. Grimsby arrive in fine defensive shape after a pre-season in which they conceded just 0.4 goals per match, while Blackpool are severely disrupted by injuries. With the home side priced at 2.40 and a draw available at 3.30, backing Grimsby not to lose looks the most measured position in what is a genuinely open tie.
What time does Grimsby Town vs Blackpool kick off?
This Carabao Cup first-round tie kicks off at 14:00 UTC on Saturday, 8th August 2026. The match takes place at Blundell Park, Grimsby Town's home ground, where the hosts will be eager to replicate last season's memorable cup exploits in front of their own supporters.
Where can I watch Grimsby Town vs Blackpool on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for this Carabao Cup first-round fixture between Grimsby Town and Blackpool have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Carabao Cup early-round ties are occasionally streamed via the EFL's own platforms or club channels, so supporters are advised to check both clubs' official websites and the EFL for the latest broadcast information.
What is Grimsby Town's recent record against Blackpool?
The head-to-head record offers genuine encouragement for the home side. Grimsby have lost just one of their last seven encounters against Blackpool, a sequence that underlines a stubborn resilience whenever these two sides meet. That historical pattern, combined with Blackpool's current injury disruption, only strengthens the case for backing the away side at 2.80 with considerable caution.