Northampton Town are looking to make it two wins from their opening two fixtures when they travel to North East Lincolnshire to face recently-promoted Grimsby Town on Saturday. 

Jon Brady's side kicked off their season in dramatic style after a late winner from Ryan Haynes gave his side a 3-2 victory over Colchester United last week. 

A brace from Sam Hoskins and an 89th-minute winner from Haynes following setbacks from Freddie Sears and Noah Chilvers gave the Cobblers the three points at Sixfields

As for Grimsby, their first game back in League Two after a year away didn't go to plan as they fell to defeat at Leyton Orient. 

A somewhat controversial penalty tucked home by George Moncur and a screamer from Tom James gave Richie Wellens' men a 2-0 victory over the Mariners and ensured the points stayed in East London. 

Team news

Grimsby

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Grimsby could be without forward John McAtee for the foreseeable future as he seeks a specialist about a re-occurring shoulder injury suffered in the defeat to Leyton Orient. 

The 23-year-old, who signed for Championship side Luton Town for an undisclosed fee in midweek but re-joined the Mariners on loan for the season, could be out for "months" if he was to have an operation according to manager Paul Hurst. 

McAtee was a key man in the Grimsby squad as he netted 16 goals last season in the National League to help Hurst's side regain their Football League status. 

Along with McAtee, Grimsby look set to be without striker Danilo Orsi, winger Otis Khan and defender Niall Maher as they recover from injuries. 

Northampton

As for Northampton, midfielder Ben Fox and forward Kieron Bowie are reported to be "touch and go" for the trip to Blundell Park, according to manager Jon Brady. 

The duo sustained their injuries towards the end of pre-season and subsequently missed the clubs opening game of the campaign against Colchester on Saturday.

Fox joined Northampton following the expiration of his contract with Grimsby, in which he helped get the club back into the Football League last season.

Defender Akin Odimayo also missed the Colchester victory on Saturday as well as full-back Aaron McGowen, who remains out injured. 

Likely lineups

Grimsby

Crocombe, Efete, Waterfall, Smith, Glennon, Holohan, Morris, Green, Clifton, Maguire-Drew, Kiernan. 

Northampton

Burge, Magloire, Sherring, Guthrie, Koiki, Pinnock, Sowerby, McWilliams, Hoskins, Appéré, Hylton. 

Key players

Luke Waterfall

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Grimsby's defence is set to be tested come Saturday and Luke Waterfall in the heart of the backline could have a key role to play to try and keep Northampton's attack at bay. 

 The 32-year-old experienced centre-half was instrumental in the heart of the Mariners' defence last season as they gained promotion to the Football League at the first time of asking which also saw him named in the National League team of the year. 

Waterfall is no stranger to a goal either, scoring nine times last season in all competition, including two in the National League play-off semi-final against Wrexham

Sam Hoskins

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Northampton have a few players that stand out in their squad with the likes of Mitch Pinnock and Danny Hylton, but Sam Hoskins could be the key man for the Cobblers in this game.

The 29-year-old winger managed to score 14 goals and claim seven assists in 44 appearances last season in all competitions as Northampton reached the League Two play-offs, with the club unlucky not to go up automatically.

This season has already started strong for Hoskins, with him getting a brace and he set up Haynes for the winner in their victory against Colchester. 

With his trickery, pace and an eye for goal in his arsenal, if he's on his game, he's got the ability to give the Grimsby defence a really hard time come Saturday.

Head-to-head

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Grimsby and Northampton have played each other 34 times in total, with the Cobblers winning 18 times, the Mariners winning 13 times and there being nine draws. 

The most recent meeting came in late February 2020, with goals from Charlie Goode and a brace from Callum Morton gave Northampton a comfortable victory at Blundell Park. 

In league meetings, Northampton are unbeaten against Grimsby since 2004. 

Match details

Where is the game being played?

This fixture is being played at Grimsby Town's home of Blundell Park, based in Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire. 

What time is kick-off?

This fixture gets underway at Blundell Park at 15:00 BST on Saturday, August 6. 

How can I watch the game?

The game will not be televised in the United Kingdom and Ireland, but is available for purchase on iFollow for fans overseas.

Highlights of the game will available to watch in the UK on ITV4 and globally on social media the following day.