2025-26 League Two Play-Off Semi-Finals: First Leg – Grimsby vs Salford

Grimsby meet Salford in the first leg of their 2025-26 Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Semi-Final tie. 

Grimsby finished seventh in the league table to qualify for this play-off tie, whilst Salford finished fourth and just one point off automatic promotion.

 

Team News

Grimsby have no fresh injury concerns after their 1-1 draw at Tranmere on the final day of the regular season.

Evan Khouri (knee), Cameron Gardner (thigh) and Doug Tharme (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Salford could welcome Jorge Grant back into contention after he missed their 0-0 draw at Crawley on the final day of the regular season, having suffered a knock in training.

Jay Bird (Achilles), Dan Chesters (ACL), Michael Rose (leg) and Ben Woodburn (unspecified) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Grimsby host Salford at Blundell Park on Sunday 10 May at 3pm BST, live on Sky Sports Football in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Grimsby’s first EFL Play-Off meeting against Salford.
• Salford have won three of six previous visits to Grimsby (W3, L3).
• Charles Vernam scored in both of Grimsby’s two regular-season meetings against Salford (W2).
• 10 of Jaze Kabia’s 18 league goals for Grimsby this season were scored at home.
• Salford have kept clean sheets in three of their last four matches (W2, D2).

 

Prediction

Having already beaten Salford twice this season and currently unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 league games at home, Grimsby certainly can’t be underestimated given their form since a 2-0 loss at Bromley just before Christmas, but their defence is a weak point with two clean sheets in their last eight games.

Salford though have kept clean sheets in three of their last four matches which will give them confidence but they’ve won just three of their last nine away matches since February, yet they can’t afford to let their away inconsistency be their Achilles heel in this opening leg.

I however do think that this leg will be cagey because neither team will want to let this tie potentially get away from them here, and Salford will of heard of the phase ‘third time lucky’ and hope that that applies to themselves but I do expect Grimsby to force a draw.

Prediction: Grimsby 1-1 Salford