Grimsby vs Brentford Prediction & Betting Tips (28 October)

Grimsby Town welcomes Premier League side Brentford to Blundell Park for the EFL Cup fourth-round clash on October 28, 2025. The Mariners, under the guidance of David Artell, have had a rollercoaster run in recent weeks. Their form has been inconsistent, with a heavy 0-3 defeat to Doncaster and a 3-0 loss at Barnet contrasting sharply with a stunning 7-1 demolition of Cheltenham Town. Artell, who has yet to register a win against Brentford in his managerial career, will be hoping his side can channel the spirit of that Cheltenham performance to pull off a cup upset. The home crowd will be crucial in lifting the League Two outfit against top-tier opposition.

Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, arrive with a mixed bag of recent results. They stunned Manchester United with a 3-1 win but also suffered defeats to Fulham and Manchester City. The Bees have shown resilience in cup competitions, notably holding Chelsea to a 2-2 draw in the previous round. Injury concerns linger, with Aaron Hickey sidelined due to a knee issue and Kevin Schade nursing a hamstring problem. Despite these setbacks, Brentford’s attacking depth remains formidable, with Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa expected to lead the line. Andrews, still early in his tenure, will view this fixture as a chance to build momentum and test squad depth.

The tactical battle promises intrigue. Grimsby will likely adopt a compact, counter-attacking approach, aiming to exploit any complacency from their Premier League visitors. Their recent success against Salford and Cheltenham suggests they can be dangerous when given space. Brentford, on the other hand, will look to dominate possession and use their superior technical quality to break down the lower-league side. The midfield duel could be pivotal, with Brentford’s Mathias Jensen expected to dictate the tempo. Grimsby’s defensive organization and set-piece threat could be their best bet to unsettle the visitors and keep the contest competitive deep into the second half.

While Brentford are clear favorites on paper, the magic of the cup often defies logic. Grimsby’s passionate home support and recent flashes of attacking brilliance suggest they won’t go down without a fight. Brentford’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in away fixtures, could open the door for a surprise. With both teams likely to rotate their squads, the match could hinge on which side adapts better to unfamiliar lineups. In what promises to be a spirited encounter, we’re predicting a narrow 2-1 victory for Brentford, with Grimsby putting up a valiant fight but ultimately falling just short against the Premier League outfit.