Collingwood v Carlton betting tips and prediction
The biggest rivalry in the AFL will take centre stage on Saturday night when Collingwood clash with Carlton at the MCG.
The Magpies are 1.64 favourites to defeat the Blues (2.27) and can continue their outstanding form that has seen them rattle off four successive wins.
Carlton had their six-game winning streak under caretaker coach Josh Fraser snapped in horrific conditions against Hawthorn last round, setting up a blockbuster clash against the Pies with real implications for both teams.
The Magpies win and they are potentially just two points from a top four position, while a Blues victory would keep their wildcard hopes alive, and give Fraser a victory over his old club.
Craig McRae has made three changes to the team that defeated North Melbourne, with small forward Lachie Shultz (ankle), Jeremy Howe (managed) and Jack Buller (omitted) out of the line-up.
The Magpies have called up Isaac Quaynor after his ankle injury, while Harvey Harrison and key forward Charlie West have been called up.
Carlton has made three unforced changes with Oliver Hollands, Flynn Riley and Jack Ison dropped, with Blake Acres, Cooper Lord and Liam Reidy their replacements. Midfielder George Hewett is named despite missing most of the Hawks’ loss with a back ailment.
The Magpies v Blues line has been set at 7.5 points, while the over/under total match points sits at 166.5.
Collingwood v Carlton betting tips
WGL’s AFL betting expert has assessed the markets and found some value Collingwood v Carlton tips:
Josh Daicos 25+ possessions
The older Daicos, along with Dan Houston, are going to need to be the Pies main men coming out of the backline with Jeremy Howe on the sidelines. Expect Josh to be fed the ball as much as possible and he’s still decent value at 1.55 to reach 25+.
Sam Walsh 30+ possessions
The Blues midfielder is paying 1.80 to reach 30 possessions and we really like this option. The Magpies won’t tag him if past history is any indication and are happy to let the Blues accumulator win plenty of it.
Beau McReery 2+ goals
McReery has been quiet for the Pies in recent times but now must lift after his fellow pressure forward Shultz went down with an ankle. Expect him to play closer to goal and create nervous moments for the Blues backline. McReery has also blown out to 11.50 with Australian betting sites for 2+, which is just too good to pass up.
Collingwood v Carlton prediction
The Magpies look to have a bit more class than the improved Blues in the midfield, and if Nick Daicos is fit, they may not have anyone to stop him. The Blues will be hopeful of turning the clash into a stoppage-based match, where the likes of Cripps can influence it, while the Magpies will keep trying to run and gun from their back half, although they will really miss Howe’s precision kicking. This promises to be a modern day classic between the bitterest of rivals. Our final Collingwood v Carlton prediction? Magpies by 13 points.
