Key Absences Shake Up Crawley’s Attack
Crawley Town will face Grimsby this weekend without forward Filipe Morais, who remains sidelined due to illness. The Portuguese attacker has already missed recent clashes against Macclesfield and MK Dons, leaving a gap in Crawley’s frontline. However, there’s a silver lining: Luke Gambin (hip) and Ibrahim Meite (calf) have returned to full training and could bolster the squad.
Manager Gabriele Cioffi will also be absent from the touchline after receiving a one-match ban, while veteran midfielder Jimmy Smith continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury.
Grimsby’s Defensive Boost & Midfield Concerns
Grimsby Town welcomes back defender Ludvig Ohman, who has served his one-match suspension following a red card against Swindon. His return strengthens a backline that has conceded 14 set-piece goals this season—the joint-worst in League Two alongside Port Vale and Bury.
Martyn Woolford trained on Friday and could feature after missing Grimsby’s 2-0 loss to Cambridge—their first defeat in six matches. However, John Welsh remains unavailable, leaving a void in midfield.
Tactical Breakdown: Crawley’s Home Struggles vs Grimsby’s Away Form
Crawley’s Home Woes
- Only 3 wins in their last 10 home league games (D2 L5).
- Historically strong against Grimsby (W2 D2 L1), but lost their last meeting (0-1, Nov 2018).
Grimsby’s Resilience on the Road
- Just 1 loss in their last 6 league matches (W4 D1).
- Have never won at Crawley in the Football League, conceding 3+ goals in both visits.
Banglawin Expert Prediction & Betting Tips
With Crawley missing key attackers and Grimsby tightening their defense, this could be a low-scoring affair. However, Grimsby’s vulnerability to set-pieces might give Crawley an edge if Gambin or Meite start.
Key Stats to Consider:
- Grimsby has conceded 14 set-piece goals (worst in League Two).
- Crawley averages 1.2 goals per home game this season.
For the latest odds and in-depth betting analysis, visit Banglawin—your go-to source for EFL insights.
Final Thoughts
Will Crawley exploit Grimsby’s set-piece weakness, or can the Mariners extend their solid run? Share your predictions below and stay tuned to Banglawin for live updates!
