Grimsby pulled off the impossible in that game against Manchester United. They raced into a 2-0 lead at half time, and were unfortunate to be pegged back by two late goals, which sent the tie to penalties. It was a long shoot-out, but Bryan Mbeumo eventually missed to send the home crowd into jubilation.

That result set the tone for their cup run, and Grimsby then went on to beat Championship side Sheffield Wednesday in the following round, showing they were capable of backing that performance up. However, their limitations were exposed in the next round, as they were dumped out by Brentford in a comprehensive 5-0 home defeat.

Wolves might be struggling in the Premier League, but there remains a significant gulf in quality between the sides. They thrashed Shrewsbury Town 6-1 in the previous round, and this game could have a similar outcome.

There was no shortage of chances for Wolves in that clash with Shrewsbury at Molineux. They racked up 23 shots and nine big chances, producing a hefty 4.5 xG. For a side that has struggled in the Premier League, it was a reminder of how dominant they can be when drawing this type of matchup. 

However, it wasn’t entirely one-way traffic. Shrewsbury still managed 0.94 xG of their own, which highlights how Wolves haven’t been particularly watertight at the back this season. The hosts have every reason to approach this game with confidence, given how they are on a 10-game unbeaten run across all competitions. 

Grimsby should take further encouragement from how that Manchester United game unfolded, where they showed belief and attacking intent. Buoyed by the home crowd, Grimsby will fancy their chances of contributing to the scoreline here, and we could get quite an open contest.

Rob Edwards afforded some rotation in the FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury, and a similar approach here looks likely. This feels like an ideal opportunity for Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to start, especially as he continues to build fitness following his return from injury. The 27-year-old picked up a hamstring issue against Manchester United back in December and has since been eased back with two substitute appearances.

It was an unfortunate time for the 27-year-old to pick up an injury, as he had just scored his first goal of the season earlier in that match. Bellegarde can be quite an entertaining player to watch, always looking to make things happen in the final third, and he is averaging 1.71 shots per 90 across all competitions this season. Wolves should be able to dominate proceedings at Blundell Park, which will allow Bellegarde to be regularly involved in the final third.

Charles Vernam played a pivotal role in that EFL Cup shock against Manchester United, as he opened the scoring, before providing the assist for Tyrell Warren. The 29-year-old registered two shots in that game, with both hitting the target, and he was a constant outlet. 

Vernam’s shot output has been notably consistent this season. Operating from the left wing, he has shown a tendency to pop up in promising shooting positions rather than staying out wide.

Sam Clucas accounted for two of Shrewsbury’s shots against Wolves in the previous round of the FA Cup. Vernam is more direct than Clucas and looks a shrewd addition to let fly at least twice.