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Team News
Solihull Moors have zero fresh injury concerns going into Sunday’s game. However, they will be desperate to see Lois Maynard and Adam Rooney return to the side after missing the semi-final against Chesterfield through injury.
Predicted Line-up: McDonnell (GK) ; Clarke, Howe, Gudger, Boyes ; Maycock, Storer ; Barnett, Sbarra, Dallas, Hudlin (4-2-3-1)
Likewise, Grimsby Town are also without any fresh injury concerns after their dramatic victory over Wrexham last time out. However, due to the impressive performances of some substitutes, changes are possible ahead of Sunday’s game.
Predicted Line-up: Crocombe (GK) ; Cropper, Waterfall, Smith, Amos ; Fox, Clifton ; Sousa, Holohan, McAtee ; Dieseruvwe (4-2-3-1)
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Form Guide
Solihull Moors are in good form going into Sunday’s final at the London Stadium. They have won their previous six matches including their semi-final win over Chesterfield, whilst losing just one league game since early January.
Grimsby Town will go into Sunday’s final, unbeaten in their previous four matches. They have also lost just once in their previous twelve matches. Therefore, Paul Hurst’s side will be full of confidence going into the final.
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Head To Head Record
Solihull Moors & Grimsby Town have met on four separate occasions, going into Sunday’s final. The first ever meeting took place in December 2015, which finished as a one all draw before Grimsby Town won their only match so far in the replay. Solihull Moors have won the other two matches, which both came in closely battled matches this season.
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Previous Meeting
Solihull Moors & Grimsby Town last faced off against each other towards the end of March at Blundell Park, in a game that ended two one to Solihull.
Both sides had chances to take early leads but it was Grimsby Town who took the lead just before half-time. Debutant Gavin Holohan did brilliantly on the right before his cross was turned in by Harry Clifton at the back post. Fox & Maguire-Drew had golden opportunities to double the Mariners lead, but it was Solihull who equalised. Andrew Dallas forced a strong save by Max Crocombe but the rebound fell perfectly for substitute Kyle Hudlin to level. Hudlin then grabbed the winner in the dying seconds after heading home a Ryan Barnett cross.
Defeat saw Grimsby Town remain eighth in the National League table, but just two points off the play-offs. Meanwhile, victory saw Solihull Moors remain fifth but closes the gap on third place Halifax Town to just five points.
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Player To Watch - Grimsby Town
My player to watch for Grimsby Town is definitely their star man and top goalscorer John McAtee, who has fifteen goals already this season.
McAtee has had an exceptional season and can operate as a winger, attacking midfielder or even as a false nine. This can cause opposition defenders all sorts of issues, given he will likely float around the attacking third. This is a defenders worst nightmare because it becomes very difficult to track him.
If Grimsby Town are going to bounce straight back to the EFL, they need their star players to really take the game to Solihull. It’s no secret that McAtee will get chances, and those could prove to be vital for the Mariners.
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Player To Watch - Solihull Moors
My player to watch for Solihull Moors is going to be their underrated midfielder Callum Maycock, who has five league goals this season.
Maycock provided a vital assist for Andrew Dallas’ equaliser against Chesterfield in the semi-final and his overall play from defensive midfield has been excellent throughout the season. His link-up play with the likes of Barnett, Dallas and Storer have proven vital at times.
Solihull Moors will be desperate to achieve their first ever EFL promotion on Sunday but will have a very difficult afternoon on their hands. They need their key men to stand up and battle, and Maycock is certainly one of those.
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Meet The Managers
Solihull Moors manager Neal Ardley will be very keen to see his sides hard work throughout the campaign, pay-off at the London Stadium on Sunday. He hasn’t managed in the EFL since his Notts County side were relegated during the 2018/2019 season and he will be keen to return.
As for Grimsby Town, their manager Paul Hurst will be hoping to use his experience of play-off finals, in order to see his side return immediately to the football league. Hurst has previously taken Grimsby Town into the football league via the play-offs when they beat Forest Green Rovers in 2016. Therefore, he will be hoping that history can repeat itself on Sunday.
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How To Watch The Game
Tomorrow (Sunday 5th June), will be a 3:00pm kick off at the London Stadium. Tickets are available for both sides and pay on the gate is also possible, but not advised. Ticket prices are as follows;
> Adults (16-64) £49.50
> Concessions (65+ & U16s) £22.50