Friday Night Football for Round 5 and we have the Collingwood Magpies taking on the Essendon Bombers at the MCG.
Last night saw the Saints defeat the Blues by 18 points in a pretty decent game of football.
Both sides come into this match after narrow losses last week and will be looking to get back on the winner’s table. These two sides normally face off in the ANZAC Day Blockbuster each year, but on this occasion, there will be no fans.
Cold and Wet Conditions are expected for this match at the MCG with the temperature reaching just 11 Degrees in Melbourne on Friday.
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Tipping Results So Far
This Round 1/1 = 100%
Season 24/36 = 66.7%
Collingwood Magpies vs Essendon Bombers
Round 23 2019, Collingwood 10.16 76 – Essendon 10.5 65
(Collingwood by 11 Points)
Last Meeting
Round 23 2019, Collingwood 10.16 76 – Essendon 10.5 65
(Collingwood by 11 Points)
Last 5 Meetings
Collingwood – 4 Wins
Essendon – 1 Win
Fact – Collingwood has won the last three games against Essendon by less than 3 Goals.
Current Head to Head Odds
Collingwood – $1.35
Essendon – $3.30
Last Week
The Magpies lost a close match last Friday Night to the GWS Giants in which gun defender Jeremy Howe Sustained a significant Injury.
The Bombers lost to Carlton by 1 Point after an unwanted week off and will be looking to get back some form.
A few significant team changes for this one with the Pies losing Jeremy Howe through injury and Gun Midfielder Steele Sidebottom through suspension. They do welcome back midfielder Adam Treloar for his first game of the 2020 AFL Season.
Some significant changes for the Bombers with Ruckman Tom Bellchambers being rested and their best midfielder Zach Merrett is out through suspension.
Why the Magpies Can Win
The Magpies may have lost two key players for this encounter, but they usually play solid football against the Bombers and are still loaded with talent around the football field. Adam Treloar is back and knows how to get the football, and the pies have a big advantage in the ruck with Brodie Grundy.
This game will be a scrappy affair because of the wet and cold conditions, and the Pies have a semi-decent record when the football is drenched.
Why the Bombers Can Win
The Bombers lose their best midfielder, Zach Merrett for this clash and that will put a lot of pressure on the likes of Dylan Shiel, Darcy Parish and perhaps Jake Stringer may go into the middle of the ground.
This game could be full of coaching tactics, and it will be interesting to see what Coach Worsfold does to counteract a couple of team changes. The Wet Conditions bring the Bombers right into this game, and the 15.5 Spread may be a good option.
Prediction
The Rain should make this game close, but the Pies are the more talented side and should get the win in a close one.
Our Pick – Collingwood (Win)
Be sure to check out our AFL Season 2020 Preview to learn a little more about some of the AFL Teams.