Grimsby Town: David Artell facing refreshing Doncaster Rovers headache - View | OneFootball

Having had a successful week on the road using two different formations, how will Grimsby boss David Artell approach Saturday's clash with Doncaster?

Grimsby Town head into Saturday's home clash with Doncaster Rovers on the back of three wins on the bounce, having followed up last month's narrow victory over Bromley at Blundell Park with impressive wins at Carlisle United and Gillingham over the last week.

It's a run of results that have propelled David Artell's side into the higher echelons of the early League Two standings, and given the injuries to key members of the squad, represents a good start for the Mariners.

Highs and lows are expected for a Grimsby side looking to implement a fresh style at the same time as integrating a squad containing many new faces alongside those who were with the club last season.

That has certainly been the case so far, with the Mariners winning five and losing four of their opening nine league games of the 2024/25 campaign, but the signs have been largely positive of late.

Despite the absentees and the ever-changing availability within his squad, Artell has been able to put out a side that has been competitive in the vast majority of games so far, many of which have come against some of the divisions' stronger, more fancied sides.

While the squad has been pushed to it's limits throughout, the Grimsby boss has been able to effectively switch formation and approach to get maximum points in recent matches. However, he's now left with the positive dilemma of how to go about getting a result against another of League Two's big-hitters on Saturday, as Doncaster Rovers head to Blundell Park.

4-3-3, 5-3-2, and 4-5-1 formations have all yielded three points for Grimsby in recent matches

Player availability, or rather the lack of it, has had an effect on Grimsby's team selection over the opening nine games of the season.

That said, Artell likes his Mariners side to get on the front foot at home when possible, predominantly operating in a 4-3-3 system, with Danny Rose or Donovan Wilson playing as the central striker and the likes of Jason Dadi Svanthórsson, Charles Vernam and Luca Barrington in the wide areas.

Barrington replaced an injured Vernam in this shape as Grimsby saw off Bromley by a single goal in their previous home game.

However, the Grimsby boss opted to switch to back three with wing-backs for last weekend's trip to Carlisle United, one that saw his side prevail 3-2 with a late winner.

With the games coming thick and fast, Artell switched once more for the midweek trip to league leaders Gillingham, opting for a counter-attacking 4-5-1 set-up that saw his side frustrate their hosts and pick up an impressive 1-0 victory, and their third successive win in the process.

With the same group of players likely to remain unavailable for the weekend's visit of Doncaster Rovers, a strong side with multiple attacking threats, will Artell look to go with an open, attacking approach from the off, or a more pragmatic one that allows his side to grow into the game?

Doncaster were play-off semi-finalists last season, and have strengthened an already talented squad significantly over the summer, with former Grimsby man Harry Clifton one of those joining Grant McCann's side.

Rovers inflicted a heavy 5-1 defeat on the Mariners in their last visit to Blundell Park, and Grimsby will want to avoid a repeat of that and show their improvement since. With it being a home match, however, the onus is on the Mariners to take the game to their visitors.

Fluid 4-3-3 formation may be what David Artell opts for in Doncaster clash

While a back three worked well at Carlisle, and Grimsby's players looked comfortable playing in that shape, Artell seems to prefer a more expansive set-up that sees his side take the game to their opponents, especially at Blundell Park.

The Mariners boss will be keen to retain the defensive solidity displayed at Gillingham, but will want his side to trouble the opposing goalkeeper more often when back on home soil.

Doncaster are an attacking side themselves, though, and will be looking to dominate proceedings. With that in mind, it's important the Grimsby boss achieves the necessary balance at both ends of the pitch.

Perhaps a fluid 4-3-3 formation is the best approach, one that can be open and creative when in possession, but drop into the organised 4-5-1 shape when Rovers are on top.

Artell will have his own ideas on how best to tackle one of the division's favourites, and player fitness after two tough away games will also come into consideration, but it's a refreshing headache for the Mariners' boss to have as he looks to maintain their recent good form.