Walsall v Grimsby Town: League Two stats and head-to-head
Walsall host Grimsby Town at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Saturday, 22 August 2026 (12:30 BST) in League Two. Both sit on three points, yet BBC Sport ranks Walsall first and Grimsby 10th. The walsall grimsby head-to-head flipped fast: Grimsby have won their last two away league games at Bescot.
Key Takeaways
- Walsall top League Two on three points with three goals scored; Grimsby also have three points but one goal scored.
- Grimsby have won each of their last two away Football League games at Walsall — matching their total across 30 prior attempts between November 1897 and August 2023.
- Recent meetings include a 2-2 draw on 18 February 2026 and Grimsby's 1-0 win at Walsall on 19 August 2025.
- Confirmed lineups: Andy Pressley leads Walsall; Alex Cook starts up front for Grimsby under David Artell.
- Grimsby have been allocated 1,360 seated away tickets at the Bescot Stadium.
What Do the League Two Stats Say Before Kick-Off?
BBC Sport's pre-match data shows both clubs level on total points, with Walsall ahead on early-season scoring. Walsall's form guide lists a league win at Gillingham on 15 August. Grimsby beat Exeter City 1-0 at Blundell Park the same day.
Walsall have lost just one of their last 13 opening home league games of a campaign, winning their last four in succession. Grimsby, meanwhile, could win their opening two Football League games of a season for the first time since 2001-02 in the second tier.
How Have Walsall and Grimsby Fared Against Each Other?
The head-to-head has tightened. Walsall have lost two of their last three league games against Grimsby (drawing one), after losing just one of their previous seven meetings (three wins, three draws).
Earlier this calendar year, Grimsby and Walsall shared a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park. Grimsby then won 1-0 at the Bescot Stadium in August 2025. Walsall lost 1-3 at home to Grimsby on 8 March 2025. BBC Sport flags that recent away run as historically unusual for the Mariners.
Who Starts for Walsall and Grimsby Town?
Lee Grant names a 4-2-3-1 for Walsall. Joe Ward starts in goal, with Andy Pressley as striker. The back line includes Matty Hancock, Joe Connolly, Daniel Skura and Ewan Ahui. Midfielders Sam Sprangler and Isaac Moore support an attacking trio of Alfie Clarke, Liam Simper and Andy Dallas.
David Artell opts for 4-1-4-1 at Grimsby. Corey Pym is in goal. Defenders James Sweeney, Charlie McJannet, Marcelo Kacurri and Harry Rodgers sit behind George Turi. Attacking midfielders Charles Vernam, Callum Doyle, Kiernan Green and Josh Amaluzor support striker Alex Cook.
Matthew Russell is the referee, assisted by Oliver Nolan and Robert Evans. Fourth official Zachary Cunningham completes the match officials listed by BBC Sport.
What Should Grimsby Fans Know About the Away Day?
Grimsby Town's official away-day guide confirms the Mariners wear their blue away kit. Turnstiles open at 11am. Away supporters are split between the B.A.T Stand and the Experienced Energy Solutions Stand, so fans should check tickets before queuing.
The Bescot Stadium postcode is WS1 4SA, with Bescot Stadium Railway Station roughly two minutes away on foot. For more offbeat sports angles like this fixture's century-spanning head-to-head quirk, browse our Bizarre World coverage. Full live stats and tables are on BBC Sport.