- Team form: Salford have not lost in their last five games (W3, D2).
- Away record: Grimsby have won 10, tied 7 and lost only 6 of their 23 League Two away games to date.
- First leg: Salford won 2-1 at Grimsby Town just 24 hours ago in the first leg of this play-off semi-final.
Salford City vs Grimsby Town: A clash of styles
Tactical contrast
This all important second leg of the League Two 2025-2026 play-off sees a clash of contrasting styles, as Karl Robinson’s well-organised and patient Salford City side host David Artell’s more direct and pressing Grimsby Town at the Peninsula Stadium. The play-off stakes should ensure that both managers keep things tight, but given both teams go into the game in good scoring form and have something to prove, a goal-filled contest is expected.
Salford under Robinson
Robinson is a master of tweaking his side’s shape and altering his style depending on the match. Since taking over in January 2024, he has overseen an unbeaten run into the play-offs for Salford, who finished in 4th place in League Two with 81 points from 46 games.
They had the consistency to sustain a challenge for automatic promotion, and now have a leg up on Grimsby after their 2-1 away win one day ago. Robinson has made Salford City a tough side to break down at home, conceding just 24 goals - an average of 1.04 per-game in 23 home games in the 2025-2026 campaign.
Salford have the edge with home advantage
Artell’s pressing system has turned Grimsby Town into a dangerous side to face, and a very difficult one to overcome on their own patch. They have been pressing opponents with discipline and purpose since he took over in November 2023, and have been particularly deadly when playing on the counter or in the wide areas and from set-pieces.
Town’s 7th placed finish was secured after picking up 78 points from 46 matches, and this is their first EFL play-off appearance since 2005-06. The bookmakers are right to have Salford as favorites at 2.19, given they are unbeaten in two at home (W1, D1) and have already taken the measure of their opponents at Grimsby.
However, Grimsby are unbeaten in three away from home (W2, D1) and are also a threat to score at any time, having notched 33 times in 23 away League Two fixtures in 2025-2026. Odds of 1.68 for Both Teams to Score - Yes then look very appealing.
Play-off tension should ensure an exciting match
Adebola Oluwo has found form for Salford of late, scoring two of their last six, but the Ammies’ main threat remains top scorer Ryan Graydon, who has netted 11 times in 46 League Two games this season. Luke Garbutt has also been in great form, assisting three of the Ammies’ last six goals.
Odds of 1.88 for Over 2.5 goals look very enticing given the stakes and both sides’ good recent form, and we’re going for a Salford win this Friday.
- Jaze Kabia is the main threat for the Mariners, who have scored 12 goals in their last five.
- He has 18 goals in 46 League Two appearances, and has scored four in his last five.
- He will be looking to add to that tally against a Salford side who have failed to win in their last two home meetings with Grimsby, adding intrigue to what should be a gripping matchup.
