Adelaide v St Kilda AFL betting tips & predictions | Round 18

Adelaide v St Kilda best bets

Adelaide v St Kilda R18 preview

The Crows will host St Kilda at Adelaide Oval this Saturday night in a battle between two teams that have failed to meet expectations in this AFL season.

Adelaide suffered their third loss in four weeks in round 17 when beaten by the Lions by 11 points at the Gabba. The defeat leaves them locked in the bottom half of the ladder, with no chance to feature in September action. They have been a more reliable commodity at home this season and enter this clash as solid favourites.

Gun Adelaide forward Izak Rankine will spend four weeks on the sidelines due to a suspension for rough conduct. Defender Mitch Hinge is another casualty, sitting out this week with adductor soreness.

In the SANFL, tall forward Riley Thilthorpe slotted a pair of goals as he nears full fitness. Ned McHenry and Chayce Jones have also shown glimpses of form and may be on the verge of an AFL recall.

Pressure may fall on Lachie Murphy, Zac Taylor and Brayden Cook, who have been quiet for the Crows in recent weeks.

St Kilda produced one of the upsets of the year when knocking over flag favourites Sydney in round 17. The Saints have been hot and cold all season due to an inability to sufficiently capitalise on scoring opportunities. They rank 16th in the AFL for goals scored and languish in 14th spot on the ladder.

St Kilda emerged from the upset win over the Swans with a hamstring injury to promising midfielder Marcus Windhager, who looks likely to miss several weeks. Seb Ross shapes as a possible replacement after a big performance in the reserves.

Hugo Garcia and Zak Jones also pressed their case for inclusion in the extended AFL squad. Midfielder Paddy Dow will face a test on an injured ankle after missing last week’s action.

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Adelaide v St Kilda betting strategy

Adelaide have shown improvement in their last two outings with a victory at home over the Giants and a competitive display against the Lions. They should be able to ride this momentum to a win here. It is unlikely to be a blowout, so back them to win by less than 40 points at $2.05 on Neds.

St Kilda have a habit of matching the scoring rate of their opponents. If the Crows can kick a decent total, the Saints could be dragged along. The total points line has been set enticingly low, so over 157.5 looks the play at $1.90 on Unibet.

The absence of Rankine will thrust Adelaide small forward Lachlan Murphy into the firing line. The 25-year-old has failed to convert his chances in the past fortnight but will need to step up and contribute if the Crows are to be competitive. Murphy as an anytime goalkicker is paying $2.25 on Neds.

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