Match preview: Grimsby (H)

The U's look to make it 15 games unbeaten with a home tie against Grimsby. The U's overcame a very strong Walsall side, winning 2-0 courtesy of a double from Knight. The U's also go into game week 25 with the most clean sheets in the 92. Multiple penalty saves from Eastwood and goal line clearances have kept Harris' side no.1.

Grimsby come to the Abbey with 2 wins on the trot, however their previous league victory was on the 18th October. They have dropped significantly since the draw to the U's and now could be a good way to sink them further down the table.

Grimsby sit in the top 4 in expected goals, shots on target per match and big chances created out of all 24 in League Two. Manager David Artell has been able to utilise one of the best players in the league, George McEachran, who has been fantastic all season. A creative midfielder who can dictate any game at will and remain calm under pressure. The former Chelsea youngster has an impressive 82.6% pass completion and 44.5% when playing long passes.

Keys to victory

The U's should approach this game with a 4 at the back to match the 4-5-1 of Grimsby. Last time out it was a last minute penalty rebound that cost the U's all 3 points despite playing superbly on the day. Harris also got in a touch of trouble after an altercation with the Grimsby players in the tunnel. This game will be feisty, aggressive and played at a high tempo.

The U's will need to shut down 2 key players in order to nullify any Grimsby attacks. Firstly, Charles Vernam will be licking his lips with potentially going 1v1 with Liam Bennet as the 29 year old likes to cut in from the left to have a shot on his stronger foot. A covering winger is likely going to be needed to double up as Vernam isn't a great dribbler (only successful 37.7% of the time) but loves to have a shot. With 6 goals and 6 assists he is frequently contributing to a well oiled Grimsby machine.

Secondly, the U's will need to be pin point when attacking as goalkeeper Pym has an appalling 53.7% save percentage in comparison to Eastwood's 73.2%. Eastwood has prevented 4 goals this season whereas Pym " "prevented" -6. The U's are bound to create chances but converting them has been the issue previously. With Knight saying "the attackers have got their confidence up" the U's will be looking to net multiple times in Sunday's clash.

U's news

In a pre season interview, Eastwood told us that the games he was most looking forward to are the games against his former employer Grimsby. With a penalty save last time out, Jake will be wanting to get all 3 points this time round at the Abbey.

Since 21/22 the 3 managerial stints with the most points per game are all Neil Harris. He averaged 1 point per game during 24/25, 1.4 points per game in 23/24 and is now on 1.7 points per game so far in 25/26. In 20/21, Bonner achieved 1.7 points per game and that was enough for promotion into League One.

There have been no indications that any returning players from injury will be available on Sunday.

Predicted lineup