Grimsby Town Challenges Brentford in Carabao Cup Clash

Cleethorpes, England — Grimsby Town faces Brentford in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The match kicks off at 19:45 GMT. Grimsby is eager to build on their giant-killing reputation after knocking out Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday in earlier rounds.

Brentford arrives in strong form, recently securing a 3-1 victory against Premier League champions Liverpool, while Grimsby currently sits sixth in League Two, just two points off the top of the table. Grimsby’s manager, David Artell, emphasizes an attractive style of play, focusing on possession; they average 61% possession in league games, the highest in their division.

The Mariners are also notable for their offensive performance, recording 27 goals this season, with 10 scored in the first 30 minutes of matches. Their star player, Charles Vernam, has contributed five goals and five assists and poses a significant threat to Brentford’s defense, as all his League Two goals have come from his right foot.

Brentford, known for their fast starts, must be vigilant from the outset, especially given Grimsby’s solid defensive record; they have yet to concede a league goal within the first 15 minutes this season. Kathy Andrews, Brentford’s head coach, stated, “Whatever team we pick is strong. The bench has made a huge impact in recent weeks.”

Referee Thomas Kirk, officiating his first Brentford match, is supported by assistants Shaun Hudson and Jacob Graham, with no VAR in use for the fixture. Kirk has shown 40 cards this season in nine games, making him an experienced choice for the match.

Grimsby’s recent performances have reinvigorated their campaign after a strong transfer window that brought 12 new players to the squad. The support from the home crowd at Blundell Park is expected to play a crucial role as the Mariners aim to pull off another upset.

This match presents Grimsby with a significant opportunity to advance in a tournament they have not reached the quarter-finals in since 2001–02.