Notts County vs Grimsby Prediction: Jones can inspire County to win

Stuart Maynard’s Notts County will be hoping for a successful season in League 2, and their campaign continues on Thursday night as they host Grimsby Town. (20:00, Sky Sports+). County came up with a lot of promise from the National League, but after losing manager Luke Wiliams to Swansea, were forced to settle for mid-table. 

Now they are looking to kick on and below you can find my Notts County vs Grimsby prediction, featuring team news and betting tips. 

Team News

David McGoldrick may come into the starting XI for Notts County if more creativity is required in the forward line. However, Maynard may choose to keep faith with Alassana Jatta, who has been chosen as the man to replace the goals of Macaulay Langstaff, who departed for Millwall this summer. 

Meanwhile, new Grimsby boss David Artell may choose to stick with the team that beat Cheltenham 3-2 last time out, with Jordan Davies scoring twice in that one. Charles Vernam should continue on the left-wing as the Mariners search for consecutive wins in the league for the first time since March 2023.

Notts County vs Grimsby Odds

Notts County are the favourites to win this game, at 9/10, while Grimsby can be backed at 5/2 for the three points. A draw is available at 5/2, BTTS is 4/7 and over 2.5 goals is 4/6.

Notts County to win @ 9/10

Although I like Artell as a manager, he is working with a tight budget at Grimsby and will have to work hard to lead them towards mid-table. Meanwhile, I think County will be right up there this season in the battle for automatic promotion, and there’s lots to like about their squad. 

They’ve got a strong squad at this level including the likes of McGoldrick, Dan Crowley and Jodi Jones, all of whom can certainly compete at the top end of League 2. I’m happy to back them to get their first win of the season at home against Grimsby, after back-to-back draws against Fleetwood and Tranmere. Maynard could do with a confidence-boosting home win to get his season started. 

Jodi Jones to score @ 100/30

A player who would surely be starring at a higher level if it wasn’t for injuries. As a youngster, he starred for Coventry in League 2 before three ACL injuries in a row nearly forced him out of the game. At Notts County, he has found a new home and was crucial in their success over the past 18 months. Now, he looks like he is ready to become the star man, having bagged a ridiculous 24 assists last term. 

Langstaff has left, which means the door is open for County fans to crown their new hero. After taking and scoring a 95th-minute penalty against Fleetwood, I think Jones is ready to improve his own goalscoring numbers this term. He can show his class in this one.

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