Grimsby vs Lincoln - Friendlies Clubs

The history between Grimsby and Lincoln lends this Friendlies Clubs fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on July 28, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Rush will take over under centre for the Falcons as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, with the team’s quarterback situation taking an unexpected turn heading into the season opener.

Both camps will view the Friendlies Clubs meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Grimsby's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Paulo Fonseca's men are still smarting from their Champions League play-off exit but now sit third in the table.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Grimsby will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Lincoln will back themselves to cause problems on the break. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

Neither side is short on individuals capable of tilting the balance, and the duel between the two squads' chief creators could prove particularly pivotal. Discipline at the back and sharpness in front of goal will likely tilt the balance one way or the other. If they miss this, Chelsea insist they will not be selling the midfielder this summer.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. With the sides so closely matched, a 1-1 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. Whatever the outcome, the Friendlies Clubs fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.