The Carabao Cup begins its first round with an intriguing clash as League Two side Grimsby Town hosts League One team Shrewsbury Town at Blundell Park. For Grimsby, this match represents a chance to cause a cup upset and find some much-needed momentum after a difficult start to their league campaign. Under the management of David Artell, the Mariners will be looking to their home advantage and fighting spirit to overcome the higher-tier opposition. However, they will be wary of the potential for a classic cup shock. Shrewsbury Town, under the management of Steve Cotterill, comes into the fixture with the same ambition. This is a chance for the Shrews to build on their recent form and secure a comfortable passage into the next round, but they must avoid complacency against a determined Grimsby side.
Grimsby Town has had a difficult start to their season, with a number of losses in their opening two league matches. The team has been active in the summer transfer window, bringing in several new faces to bolster their squad. They will be relying on their key players, such as forward Jamie Andrews and midfielder Curtis Thompson, to make an impact. Shrewsbury Town, on the other hand, comes into the fixture after a strong start to their League One campaign. They secured a notable 2-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in their last outing, with goals from their key players. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with Shrewsbury Town expected to dominate possession and Grimsby Town likely to adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Match Details
Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
Location: Grimsby, England
Stadium: Blundell Park
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM BST / 8:45 PM CEST
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The history between these two teams is a long one, with their most recent meeting being in the FA Cup in 2020. Grimsby won that encounter 3-0. However, both teams have had mixed starts to their current seasons. Grimsby Town’s recent form is a concern, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the League Two. Shrewsbury Town’s recent form is strong, with their win in their last outing a key indicator of their potential this season. The Carabao Cup is a different competition entirely, and both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to secure a crucial win and gain momentum for the rest of their seasons.
Grimsby Town:
Grimsby Town enters this match with the pressure of a difficult start to the season. The team will be looking to its key players, including new signings and in-form midfielders, to stabilize the team and deliver a performance worthy of their home crowd. Manager David Artell is expected to use this match to give minutes to some of his new signings and to test new tactical setups. The team will be looking to its home crowd for support as they aim to progress to the second round of the cup. With their superior squad depth, they are the clear favorites to win this match.
August 9, 2025: Notts County 2–1 Grimsby Town (League Two)
August 2, 2025: Grimsby Town 1–1 Accrington Stanley (League Two)
July 26, 2025: Grimsby Town 2–0 Morecambe (Friendly)
Shrewsbury Town:
Shrewsbury Town is facing a tough challenge against a higher-division opponent. The team will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset and a chance to beat their rivals. Manager Steve Cotterill has a number of new signings at his disposal, including midfielder Aaron Collins and striker Callum Paterson, and they will be looking to make an impact in this match. Shrewsbury Town will likely adopt a defensive and disciplined approach, aiming to frustrate Grimsby and capitalize on any set pieces or counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s resolve and fighting spirit will be their biggest assets in this match, as they seek to pull off a shock result and advance to the next round.
August 9, 2025: Cheltenham Town 0–0 Shrewsbury Town (League One)
August 2, 2025: Shrewsbury Town 1–0 Bristol Rovers (League One)
July 26, 2025: Shrewsbury Town 1–2 AFC Wimbledon (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Shrewsbury Town is expected to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their creative midfielders and attacking forwards to create scoring opportunities. The key matchup will be between Shrewsbury Town’s attack and Grimsby Town’s defense. For Grimsby Town, the strategy will be more pragmatic, with a focus on staying compact and frustrating their opponents. They will look to the pace of their wingers to launch quick counter-attacks. The match will be a test of Grimsby Town’s resilience against Shrewsbury Town’s quality. While an upset is always possible in a cup tie, Shrewsbury Town’s superior individual talent should ultimately be the deciding factor.
How to Watch Grimsby Town vs. Shrewsbury Town on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited KingdomSky Sports Football, Sky Sports+, TNT SportsUnited StatesESPN+CanadaDAZN CanadaAustraliabeIN Sports
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+, with TNT Sports also providing live coverage. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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