Grimsby Town boss David Artell has urged his players to be at their best as they prepare to face League Two leaders Walsall, despite the Saddlers’ recent dip in form.
The Mariners travel to Bescot Stadium unbeaten in seven league games and just two points off the play-offs. Meanwhile, Walsall’s once-commanding 12-point lead has been cut to two, having won just twice in their last ten matches. But Artell insists his side must not underestimate the league leaders.
‘We Have to Play Well’
Walsall may have stumbled in recent weeks, but Artell remains wary of the threat they pose.
“I watched them last Tuesday at Cheltenham. They’re super competitive, super athletic, and their set pieces – they don’t half put it on you,” he told BBC Humberside.
“They’re not as efficient as they were before Christmas but that still doesn’t mean they’re not a good team. They’re top of the league after 30-odd games for a reason.
“So we’ve got to go there and play well because if we don’t, then we won’t win. It’s as simple as that.”
Grimsby’s impressive run has been spearheaded by striker Danny Rose, who netted his 11th goal of the season from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday. That goal was his fifth in seven games, highlighting his importance to the Mariners’ attacking threat.
Injury Concerns for Grimsby
Artell’s side will have to navigate the fixture without Donovan Wilson, who has been ruled out for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury. Defender Douglas Tharme also remains a doubt after being forced off in midweek with a calf problem.
Midfielder Jordan Davies could return to the squad, but Artell is taking a cautious approach.
“I spoke to him, we’ll see how he is this week, but what we don’t want to do is play him and he gets injured,” he said.
“There is a third to a quarter of the season left, so we’ve got to be mindful that we’re not in that end game yet. We don’t need to get caught up in any undue risks. When he is fit, he’s fit.”
With Grimsby looking to extend their unbeaten run and push for the play-offs, and Walsall desperate to halt their slide and retain top spot, Saturday’s match promises to be a crucial one in the League Two promotion race.
Writer’s View
While Grimsby’s confidence is growing, Walsall’s position as league leaders speaks for itself. Despite their recent struggles, they remain a formidable side, especially at home. Artell’s team have momentum, but they will need to produce their best performance yet to take points from a Saddlers side eager to silence their critics.
