2019 AFL Round 21 betting preview – Essendon vs Bulldogs

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Saturday night matches do not get much better than what is scheduled for this weekend.

The Essendon Bombers and Western Bulldogs will battle at Marvel Stadium in a match that both teams probably need to win if they want to make finals in 2019.

SEE ALSO: AFL ROUND 21 BETTING NEWS

These two Melbourne-based clubs are both familiar with Docklands and share very similar form lines, which is why online bookmakers have them locked together $1.90 in the match betting.

The Bulldogs have won their last four matches against the Bombers and come into this clash with gun midfielders Marcus Bontempelli, Josh Dunkley and Jack Macrae all firing.

The Bombers can bring back a few players if they come up fit, including Shaun McKernan (illness), Dyson Heppell (foot) and David Myers, who dropped himself to the reserves mid-season to give the club’s emerging stars more chances at senior level.

Essendon vs Western Bulldogs Round 21 player disposals odds

Andrew McGrath to get 20 disposals @ $1.62 with Sportsbet
The 2017 AFL Rising Star winner has enjoyed his time at half-back this year. If the Bombers need more speed in the midfield or cleaner users out of defence, John Worsfold makes the moves accordingly. This week should see McGrath get plenty of the ball at half-back with his pace and level head.

Josh Dunkley to get 30 disposals @ $1.53
No player in the competition has made such a massive impact to their team’s midfield as Dunkley. The versatile youngster started the season forward but has gone to another level since moving into the middle. Dunkley had 31 touches against the Lions last week and will shine against the Bombers’ smaller midfield.

Essendon vs Western Bulldogs Round 21 goalkicking tips

Jake Stringer to kick two goals – Best odds at Ladbrokes
When players face their old teammates, they either go into their shell or stand up and prove their worth. Stringer is the type of player that will take control if given the opportunity. He has been kicking freak goals recently and will be in the frame this week.

Sam Lloyd to kick two goals
Although Lloyd had three shots on goal at The Gabba last week, he was unable to register a single goal. If the former Tiger can straighten up his kicking, he should have opportunities against an Essendon outfit that struggled to contain Port Adelaide’s small forwards.

Essendon vs Western Bulldogs Round 21 total points betting

Total match points over 165.5 @ $1.88 with Sportsbet
Marvel Stadium with the roof closed is one of the best venues to play football, as there are no external elements to spoil the quality of the game. The Bulldogs’ clean hands are even cleaner at the Dome and both sides should post big scores.

Essendon vs Western Bulldogs match predictions

Match result: Western Bulldogs to win @ $1.90 with Sportsbet
Line betting: Western Bulldogs -5.5 @ $2.10

The Bombers were exposed last week against the Power and we do not see them bouncing back against the Dogs. Aaron Naughton could kick a bag in the absence of Michael Hurley, who is but one name on an ever-growing injury list at Windy Hill.