On October 28, 2025, Grimsby Town, a League Two underdog, took on Brentford F.C., a Premier League hopeful. The Carabao Cup Fourth Round match at Blundell Park was thrilling. Both teams pulled off big upsets. Grimsby beat Manchester United, and Brentford shocked Liverpool. So, the world was ready for an exciting match. Here’s a summary of the lineups, key players, and tactics that defined this iconic game.
Grimsby Town Starting XI
Manager David Artell lined up a 4-5-1 formation, with a focus on midfield density and defensive solidity:
- GK: 1 Craig Pym
- Defenders: 5 Harvey Rodgers, 6 Shaun Lavelle, 17 Ciaran McJannett, 3 Josh Sweeney
- Midfielders: 20 George McEachran, 18 Danny Burns, 4 Kieran Green (captain), 8 Evan Khouri, 30 Charles Vernam
- Forward: 9 John-Kymani Kabia
Substitutes:
- Casper (GK), Staunton, Warren, Svanthórsson, Walker, Turi, Amaluzor, Oduor, Rose
Tactical Insight: Grimsby was banking on a tight-knit midfield to break up Brentford’s passing flow. Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, who played heroically in earlier rounds, were to provide pace and invention.
Brentford F.C. Starting XI
Manager Keith Andrews changed his line-up, using a 4-2-3-1 formation to counter with attack and possession:
- GK: 12 Hákon Valdimarsson
- Defenders: 43 Benjamin Arthur, 4 Sepp van den Berg, 5 Ethan Pinnock, 3 Rico Henry
- Midfielders: 15 Frank Onyeka, 8 Mathias Jensen (skipper), 23 Keane Lewis-Potter, 14 Fabio Carvalho, 11 Reiss Nelson
- Forward: 19 Dango Ouattara
Substitutes:
- Balcombe (GK), Schade, Thiago, Ajer, Damsgaard, Collins, Janelt, Kayode, Donovan
Tactical Insight: Brentford’s lineup combined youth and experience. Fabio Carvalho and Reiss Nelson provided flair, while Mathias Jensen held the midfield together. Andrews’ rotation policy rewarded bench players and conserved key starters.
Match Highlights
Brentford overpowered with a clinical 5-0 win
- 22′ – Mathias Jensen opened the scoring with a classy finish.
- 26′ – Keane Lewis-Potter doubled the advantage, set up by Reiss Nelson.
- 43′ – Reiss Nelson added a 3-0 advantage before the break.
- 54′ – Fabio Carvalho scored from a penalty to make the game safe.
- 75′ – Nathan Collins completed the rout with a fifth.
Grimsby battled bravely but were unable to keep pace with Brentford’s speed and accuracy. In defeat, their cup campaign—a landmark victory over Manchester United—is a season highlight.
Key Takeaways
- Brentford depth on display: Rotated squad produced an omnipotent performance, highlighting the strength of the club’s bench.
- Grimsby spirit lasts: Despite being outclassed, their trek to the Fourth Round was a tribute to grit and strategy.
- Players to watch: Fabio Carvalho and Reiss Nelson were standout performers, combining for goals and assists.
Final Thoughts
The Grimsby Town vs. Brentford F.C. match was more than a Carabao Cup game. It was a clash of ambition and skill. Brentford’s 5-0 win showed their Premier League skill, strong tactics, and powerful attack. Grimsby’s journey to the Fourth Round is a point of pride. Their stunning win over Manchester United makes it even more special for the League Two team.
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