Sydney v Essendon tips, prediction & odds; AFL round 4 preview 2021

Welcome to our Sydney v Essendon tips, prediction and odds update ahead of their AFL round 4 clash at the SCG on Thursday night. 

The Swans have stunned the AFL world with three consecutive wins to start 2021, including a last-start thrashing of reigning premier Richmond. 

Essendon notched up its first win of the season with a thrashing of its own, a 75-point demolition of finals contender St Kilda on Saturday. 

Sydney’s impregnable form has seen them crunched in the betting for this contest, Australian bookies pricing them as short as $1.28, while the reborn Bombers are paying $4.70 to win. 

Also read: AFL round 4 fixture
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The Swans are expected to regain Lance Franklin after he was rested following his successful return from long-term injuries the week before, while exciting midfielder James Rowbottom is also likely to play following a knee injury if he can get through training. 

The Bombers are sweating on the fitness of Mason Redman, who was subbed out against the Saints with a hamstring complaint, however, scans have shown no tear, which means he may make the trip to Sydney. The Bombers may also be boosted by the return of skipper Dyson Heppell from a back complaint. 

Continue reading for our free Sydney Swans vs Essendon Bombers tips and betting predictions for their clash at the SCG on Thursday, 8/4. 

Start:7.20pm AEST, April 8
Venue:SCG, Sydney
Head-to-head odds:Sydney ($1.28) v Essendon ($4.70)
Line betting: Sydney -28.5 ($1.90) v Essendon +28.5 ($1.90)
Premiership odds: Sydney $11; Essendon $81

Sydney v Essendon betting tips

Our AFL betting guru has cast their eye over the betting and found some free Sydney v Essendon tips:

Lance Franklin to kick 3+ goals

The champion forward looked like he had not missed any football in his return a fortnight ago from a long-term injury. Franklin himself has heralded the return of the leading forward with the 2021 rule changes and there are not many better at it than Buddy. He should be paying around the $2 quote to kick 2+ goals with bookmakers. 

Zac Merrett & Andy McGrath to both get over 25 possessions

The Bombers midfielders were outstanding against St Kilda and will need a repeat for them to win this clash. Merrett generally banks over 25 touches every week, while the improving #1 draft pick McGrath is likely to continue to cut his teeth through the midfield, especially now Dylan Shiel (torn meniscus) is unlikley to play again this season. I would group these two in a same-game multi with no hesitation.

Sydney v Essendon prediction 8/4/2021

Sydney has been great in 2021 and we cannot see them losing this clash, but we also think they are too short in the betting, given these teams’ standing prior to the year. We expect the Swans to have a down week at some point, because it’s inevitable with a young team, which has us leaning towards not wagering on the head to head outcome or points line in this contest. Instead we will be sticking to the exotics and backing Buddy to kick a bag. Our final Sydney v Essendon prediction? Swans by 19 points. 

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