Grimsby vs Manchester United prediction: Mariners may keep United at bay

Manchester United travel to Grimsby Town in the League Cup second round on Wednesday, looking for their first win of the new season (8pm, Sky Sports Main Event).

Despite losing their opening game 1- 0 against Arsenal and drawing 1-1 away at Fulham on Sunday, betting sites expect Ruben Amorim’s men to make light work of their League Two opponents

For Grimsby, this is no doubt more about the finances than anything else, with a complete sell-out announced as United visit for the first time since 1948.

They are still unbeaten so far this season with three wins and two draws in the league and a win over League Two rivals Shrewsbury Town to set up Wednesday’s tie.

United, who have lifted the trophy six times, are the sixth favourites to be celebrating again, at odds of 12/1 behind Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle, while you can get a whopping 1500/1 on the Mariners being the new name on the trophy.

Their odds are slightly better on a win on Wednesday with football betting sites offering 20/1, while you can get 2/13 on a United win and 8/1 on a draw after 90 minutes.

So much will depend on how seriously boss Ruben Amorim takes the game, because really, there should only be one winner, but if United don’t take it seriously from the off, they could be dumped out.

If Amorim is clever, then this could be the perfect game to give his new front three a run together and build their confidence ahead of the visit of Burnley on Saturday.

We are likely to see a range of changes to their starting XI, with several players, like Harry McGuire, Kobbie Mainoo, and Joshua Zirkzee, all in need of minutes.

That match 77 years ago was actually the last time the two sides met when they were both in Division One and the 1-1 draw at Blundell Park, followed a 4-3 win for Grimsby away in Manchester.

Despite those results, Grimsby were relegated at the end of that season and have not returned to the top-flight since, while United have spent just one season outside it since.

United entered the competition a round later last season, due to their involvement in the Europa League, and they crushed Barnsley 7-0 at Old Trafford, and they would love a similar scoreline on Wednesday.

But Grimsby have scored three goals in three of their opening six games of the season and scored four in their other three, so you wouldn’t bet against them scoring again.

Grimsby vs Manchester United prediction 1: Both teams to score - 13/10 BetVictor

As you can imagine, it’s hard to predict what type of team Amorim will select, and the football odds on the United players are not exactly generous.

Instead, lets take a look at where the threat will come from for the home side, and that would seem to be striker Jaze Kabia.

The 25-year-old made the long trip north in the summer when he signed from Truro City, and he’s already scored four goals in his first six games.

He bagged 16 last season to help his side secure their promotion to the National League, which was enough to earn him a move into the EFL - and how he would love to score against United.

He scored in the last round against Shrewsbury, and betting apps are offering 22/1 on him scoring first or last, and you can get 11/2 on him scoring at any time.

Grimsby vs Manchester United prediction 2: Jaze Kabia to score anytime - 11/2 Betfred

Grismby: Last season's top scorer Danny Rose made his return from injury in the draw with Accrington Stanley but may not be ready to start. Jude Soonsup-Bell also isn't ready to start so may be on the bench, while Doug Tharme, Kieran Green and Jamie Walker are doubts

Man Utd: Amorim is expected to make wholesale changes with Andre Onana likely to start in goal, while Kobbie Mainoo may get the nod in midfield. Benjamin Sesko is pushing for his first start up front.

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