David Artell faces challenging selection decisions ahead of Grimsby Town’s League Two home clash with Cheltenham Town, as several players made strong cases for starting roles.
With some regulars either injured or resting to regain fitness, Artell rotated his goalkeepers, opting for Jake Eastwood over new signing Jordan Wright. Right-back Tyrell Warren also earned a spot in the starting lineup, replacing Lewis Cass.
Due to injuries to regular left-backs Denver Hume and Matthew Carson, midfielder Evan Khouri was deployed as a full-back—a role he has played before. The trio of Eastwood, Warren, and Khouri impressed during an entertaining cup tie, where both teams displayed some intricate football.
Despite ongoing development both in and out of possession, Artell saw encouraging signs. Grimsby appeared more assured and fluid compared to their league opener against Fleetwood Town, giving Artell a lot to consider as he weighs his options for the upcoming match.
Trio helped Grimsby Town get on the front foot
Grimsby Town displayed defensive solidity and structural organization in their narrow defeat to Fleetwood last week. However, despite an early surge of chances, they struggled to break down Fleetwood’s resolute defense, creating few opportunities despite having the majority of possession.
In their subsequent match, Artell’s side showed more attacking intent. Quick interchanges and creative movement helped them unsettle their opponents, posing a greater threat overall. Progressive full-backs Warren and Khouri were key to this, effectively linking with wingers and midfielders. Their energy and ability to create overloads allowed players like Charles Vernam and Luca Barrington to drift inside and challenge Graham Alexander’s defense in new ways.
Goalkeeper Jake Eastwood also contributed to the attacking momentum by releasing the ball swiftly and positioning himself between the central defenders during possession. This extra body helped facilitate quicker ball movement across the pitch.
All three players—Warren, Khouri, and Eastwood—demonstrated composure and impact in both offensive and defensive roles, presenting Artell with challenging decisions as the team aims to secure their first league points.
Injuries remain a major concern for Grimsby
While the Grimsby manager will be pleased with the improvement shown by his somewhat depleted squad during last night’s match, the constant flow of injuries to senior players continues to be of concern.
Left-back Denver Hume (pictured above) is the latest to fall foul to fitness issues, with both the former Sunderland and Portsmouth man, along with striker Danny Rose (possibly rested as he continues his recovery from a long-term injury sustained towards the end of last season) dropping out of the matchday squad completely from the opening day defeat.
| List of injured/rested absentees for Grimsby’s EFL Cup game with Bradford City (13/08/24) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Age | Position(s) |
| Doug Tharme | 24 | Centre-back |
| Denver Hume | 26 | Left-back |
| Matthew Carson | 21 | Left-back |
| Curtis Thompson | 30 | Defensive midfielder |
| Jason Dadi Svanthórsson | 24 | Winger/Wide forward |
| Rekeil Pyke | 26 | Forward |
| Danny Rose | 30 | Striker |
Artell was without the services of seven senior players for Tuesday’s EFL Cup game, and was only able to name seven substitutes from the nine allowed. Of those on the bench, four were youngsters aged 18 or under.
It’s likely the Mariners will add a couple more to their squad ahead of the closure of the summer transfer window on August 30th, but all concerned with the club are hoping those nursing injuries will return as soon as possible to add necessary depth, quality and physicality to a somewhat lightweight squad at present.
The Grimsby boss will, however, take encouragement from an improved midweek display in the circumstances, and the promise shown by those that came into the side or changed roles and made a real impact.
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