Mathematically, these two sides still have something to challenge for with Grimsby six points off the play-offs and Yeovil seven points above the drop-zone. However, given the number of other teams involved in these situations, I doubt these two will be seriously involved.
Grimsby unceremoniously sacked Marcus Bignot a few months ago despite a relatively good five months in charge and have now replaced him with former Yeovil manager Russell Slade. The 56-year-old has won one and lost one in his second spell in charge of the club.
The Mariners have been pretty average in both boxes this season with 53 goals scored and 57 conceded in 43 games – both 13th best in the league. In recent times however, they have been pretty poor at the back with no clean sheets in their last seven. Having said that, they still have the joint-second-best clean sheet ratio in League Two with 35%. Russell Slade has overseen his side score three goals in his first two matches in charge.
Home form was a bit rocky towards the end of Bignot’s tenure with just one point from a possible nine in his final three matches at Blundell Park. Slade has only taken charge of one game at home in his latest spell and that resulted in a good win over play-off chasers Cambridge United.
Yeovil, with whom Russell Slade won ‘League One Manager of the Year’ with back in the 2006/07 season, managed to secure a vital win in their last match to end their win-less run of six. These three points means that Yeovil are probably safe for another season.
Darren Way’s side have been woeful in attack this season and only one team have a worse goal-scoring record than them and their total of 46. Defensively, they have an identical Goals Against record to Grimsby with 57 but their clean sheets record is a lot worse. Their clean sheet in their last match against Crewe Alexandra was their first in eight.
Away form has been dire for the Glovers this season with just 18 points taken from 21 matches – second-worst. This does not look like changing anytime soon with just one win on their travels in the last 16 in all competitions. Furthermore, they have only kept three clean sheets on the road in League Two – the joint-worst in the division.
Although neither of these sides have much to play for, I think the momentum is with Grimsby, particularly given that a lot of players will be playing for their futures under a new manager. Furthermore, Yeovil do not have the attacking prowess or defensive know-how on their travels to cause too many problems. I am surprised that the price on a home win is as good as 33/20. Such odds are well worth taking advantage.
All of current tips can be found here.