Grimsby v Braintree Team News

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 16/11/2012

GRIMSBY midfielders Joe Colbeck (knee) and Frankie Artus (hernia) are both ruled out of the visit of Braintree to Blundell Park on Saturday, although winger Scott Neilson is available again after a three-match ban.

Town will have to decide whether to shuffle their pack and play the 4-4-2 formation they have favoured for most of the season, or continue with the 4-3-3 which injuries forced the Mariners into during the Woking game and proved so successful against the Cards.

The Mariners will also be without striker Anthony Elding who joined Preston on loan this week.

Neilson can play on either wing so could readily replace Colbeck on the right if Town decide to play with wingers.

Braintree had a difficult game in midweek against Tranmere and were crushed 3-0, although the scoreline flattered the Birkenhead side a little. The Essex club lost three players during the match. Midfielder James Mulley (leg), Dean Wells (breathing difficulties) and striker Sean Marks (forehead), all were forced out during the game, and are doubtful for the Town game as a result. Defender Dean Wells is the only one of the three who is expected to take part on Saturday.

Defender Alan Massey will be available though for Braintree, as he was cup tied against Tranmere, as will fellow defender Ryan Peters who has recovered from an injury.

Braintree are just above the drop zone in the Conference although they have at least one game in hand on most clubs because of their cup run.

Town have never beaten Braintree. They lost 5-0 in Essex at the start of last season, and drew 1-1 in the match at Blundell Park.

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