Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst says he will be mindful of Carlisle United's fearless tactical approach tonight.

The Mariners manager says Paul Simpson's style of play is "brave".

United are seeking a first away win of the season at Blundell Park tonight and Hurst says he has studied the Blues closely.

“I don’t think they necessarily set up to concede possession; they have come up against teams like Crawley and Swindon, who, from my understanding, are teams that want to control the ball and play out from the back," said Hurst, speaking to GrimsbyLive.

READ MORE: Carlisle United's Paul Simpson calls for 'character' in Grimsby Town clash

“I think Carlisle, in general, quite brave in their approach and commit men forward, and in the Swindon game it looked like they were going man for man with a high press to try and stop them playing, so that is something we may have to deal with.

“In the league, they have lined up with a three/five at the back with the wing-backs getting high up the pitch often, with the main tweaks being in the midfield.

"We’ve certainly got an idea of how they might set up, but we don’t know for certain.

“We’ve been the same in the sense that I have tweaked little things positionally, so we can do all the tactical work and research but depend on the circumstances of the game early on, they might decide to make a change and vice-versa.”

Hurst added that he is hoping to keep Carlisle guessing as regards his own selection.

"I want to try and keep things fresh because the games always come thick and fast at the start of the season, especially with us progressing in the cup," he added.

“That will hopefully give Carlisle something to think about as well."

Grimsby, who returned to the EFL this season after winning the national League play-offs, have four points from their first three games.

They gained their first League Two win on Saturday when a late Luke Waterfall goal earned a 1-0 win at Rochdale.