Grimsby Town play host to Swindon Town on Friday knowing only a win will ensure they end the day still sitting in the top seven of the League Two table.
While Swindon are nine points adrift of their hosts with four matches remaining, the visitors are realistically already out of the playoff race.
Match preview
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With many of the teams above them faltering due to the pressure that fighting for automatic promotion brings, Grimsby will be rueing losing three of their seven games from March 11 onwards.
Nevertheless, 10 points have been collected from a possible 15 to keep the Mariners in the final playoff spot, as well as just six points behind third-placed Walsall.
Guaranteeing a top-seven spot will be the priority for David Artell, particularly when a trip to leaders Port Vale is still to come, but Grimsby can feel more encouraged about their form at Blundell Park.
Despite a recent three-game winless streak on familiar territory, Grimsby have bounced back with victories over Newport County and Morecambe.
However, last time out, Grimsby let slip a two-goal 85th-minute lead to draw 2-2 at Harrogate Town, and it remains to be seen how they will react to that disappointment.
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As for Swindon, the questionable appointment of Ian Holloway has proven inspired with the legendary EFL boss having transformed the club from relegation candidates to one of the form teams in the division.
Nevertheless, despite losing just three league matches during 2025, a late playoff surge looks out of the question unless they can put the cat among the pigeons with victory on Friday.
Swindon have recorded three successive wins, including an incredible 5-4 triumph over Bradford City last time out, to give themselves an opportunity to move within six points of their hosts with three games left.
Furthermore, Holloway's side also now boast the second-best attack in the division, emphasising the threat that they take to Grimsby, yet they remain with the joint-seventh worst defensive record.
Team News
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With Grimsby's capitulation at Harrogate coming after changes had been made, Artell will likely avoid overly-tinkering with his first XI.
The one alteration may see Jordan Davies replace Evan Khouri in the engine room, depending on the latter's fitness after he was withdrawn at half time last time out.
Meanwhile, left wing-back Denver Hume will be looking for his 13th assist of the season.
As for Swindon, Daniel Butterworth is in line for a recall after his half-time introduction versus Bradford, although it remains unclear how many changes that Holloway will make due to the swapping and changing during a nine-goal thriller versus 10 men.
Despite the early introduction of 18-year-old Botan Ameen, who chipped in with an assist, the teenager is not guaranteed an opportunity here.
George Cox is an option to return at left wing-back ahead of Billy Kirkman.
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Wright; Rodgers, Tharme, McJannet; Svanthorsson, Green, Khouri, Hume; Rose, Barrington
Swindon Town possible starting lineup:
Ripley; Clarke, Wright, Freckleton; Cotterill, Kilkenny, Nichols, Cox; Glatzel, Tshimanga; Smith
We say: Grimsby Town 2-2 Swindon Town
As two of the form teams in the division, we are expecting an entertaining fixture between these sides. Swindon have frequently proven that they can upset the odds since Holloway's arrival, and we are backing a high-scoring draw to be played out at Blundell Park.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
