Notts County travel to Grimsby Town tonight as Harry Kewell takes charge of the team for the first time.
The new manager’s opening game comes in the Checkatrade Trophy against a side the Magpies haven't beaten in their last five match-ups.
In last year’s competition Notts finished third in their group and they will be hoping for better this campaign after also being drawn in Group G alongside Doncaster Rovers and Newcastle United’s Under 21s.
Fellow Sky Bet League Two side Grimsby have picked up just one win this season and didn’t register a victory in last year’s Checkatrade Trophy.
Both sides will be looking to correct recent form by picking up all three points on Tuesday night.
Kewell says…
“We want to win every game whether it’s in the league, cup or a friendly. There is no change in pressure for different matches so we just want to go out there and play our best.
“It’s an important game for my players and a clean slate for them to impress me. I’m not looking for anything special, just to carry out the instructions they’ve been given.
“It’s all going to come down to hard work. If we run, press and close down then we will see the benefits.”
Grimsby boss Michael Jolley says…
“I think we’re still seeing the emergence of the team and we haven’t shown a consistent level of performance yet, which we’re working hard to try and address.
“We need to improve. We need to perform consistently and pick up more points.
“We have to decide what the best plan is to attack the game against Notts County and once we’ve done that, we’ll come up with a team to try and win.”
Team news
Notts are missing centre-halves Richard Duffy (injury) and Piece Bird (international duty) but Elliott Ward comes into contention after joining on Monday.
Dan Jones is absent as he starts the first game of his suspension but Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain could be included as his comeback from a broken leg continues.
Grimsby have Ben Pringle available following his loan move from Preston North End but fellow loanee Elliot Embleton is away with the England Under 20s.
We’ve met before
Jamille Matt scored deep into added time to record a 2-1 win for Grimsby when the sides last met in April.
Blundell Park was the scene of Notts' last triumph over the Mariners back in February 2010 as Lee Hughes’ 69th-minute effort earned a 1-0 success in a closely-fought encounter.
Hughes finished the 2009-10 season as League Two’s top scorer with 30 goals while Notts earned promotion as champions and Grimsby were relegated to the National League.
What are the odds?
Notts are priced 7/4 with Sky Bet to get the Kewell era off to a winning start, with the hosts at 6/4. A draw is available at 12/5.
Jon Stead to continue his goalscoring form by getting the first goal at Blundell Park is priced 5/1, while Grimsby to repeat April’s 2-1 is 9/1.
You can bet on the game here.
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