Collingwood v Western Bulldogs betting tips and prediction
Welcome to our Western Bulldogs v Collingwood betting tips and winner prediction for their AFL round 12 clash at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs (1.56) are expected to account for the Magpies (2.44) with this shaping as a season-defining clash for the ninth and 10th-placed clubs.
The Bulldogs have won two out of their last three matches after a form slump, with their victories coming over Melbourne and Port Adelaide by a combined five points.
They will be boosted by arguably their most important player, Tim English, who they have sorely missed in the engine room. He replaces Luke Cleary and will allow Rory Lobb to return to his customary position in defence.
The Magpies have suffered two key injury blows with Jamie Elliott (ACL) and Darcy Moore (hamstring) out of the team that defeated West Coast in Scott Pendlebury’s milestone game. The Pies have also lost young forward William Hayes (shoulder) and dropped Charlie West.
The Pies have included defender Wil Parker, Harvey Harrison, Tim Membrey and Angus Anderson. Harrison has run into some strong form in the VFL in his comeback from a knee reconstruction and will play across half-forward for the Magpies.
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood betting tips
Our AFL betting expert has assessed the markets and found some value Bulldogs v Collingwood tips:
Marcus Bontempelli 30+ possessions
The Dogs skipper grows a few extra centimetres against Collingwood, with his record outstanding against the Magpies. A Bont masterclass where he reaches 30 possessions is paying 2.10. We particularly like this with Magpie Harry Perryman, who would be given the job, being out with a hamstring injury. Expect Pendlebury to stand beside him at centre bounces.
Nick Daicos 3+ goals
The Magpies ace has spent more time in the forward half in recent weeks, and we can’t see this changing with Elliott now out of their line-up. While he has hit the scoreboard his inaccuracy has cost him more goals. He will get it right at some point and 3+ goals in this fixture is very possible at 4.10 with Neds.
Under 176.5
We expect the Magpies to try and turn this into a dour, defensive slog, with Elliott’s absence hurting their already threadbare forward line. If it was at the MCG we’d be locking this in, but the under 176.5 points total is what we are leaning towards here. This option should be paying around 1.90 with Australian betting sites.
Bulldogs v Magpies prediction
The Western Bulldogs look a lot better on paper with their first-choice ruckman English back on deck. It frees up Lobb to be his back-up and strengthen the Dogs backline, and gives them the versatility to throw either of these two forward. The Dogs midfield looks more classy and their battle with Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey will go a long way to deciding this match. An upset win to the Magpies would not surprise, but the Dogs are stronger on paper right now. Our final Bulldogs v Magpies prediction? Dogs by four points.
