Collingwood v Carlton AFL tips & best odds – Round 20, 2023

Collingwood v Carlton best bets

Collingwood v Carlton match preview

Round 20 of the 2023 AFL Premiership kicks off with a clash between old rivals Collingwood and Carlton at the MCG this Friday night. With a lot on the line for both sides, expect a tough contest in front of a packed house.

The Collingwood Magpies faced off against the Power last weekend at Adelaide Oval, winning by two points in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash. Trailing by 17 points at three-quarter time, the Pies kicked six goals to three in the last quarter with Jamie Elliott slotting two of the last three majors from tight angles to win the game.

The Carlton Blues welcomed the struggling West Coast Eagles to Marvel Stadium last weekend, winning by 71 points. A 57-point lead at quarter time set up the win for the Blues, who were led by a 10-goal effort from Coleman Medal leader Charlie Curnow.

Despite the comfortable win, the Blues will still feel as though they missed an opportunity to gain more percentage. Leading by 82 points at half time, the Blues lost the second half, meaning they now sit outside the top eight purely on percentage.

With the Magpies getting through the weekend’s match unscathed, they will be at full strength for the first time all season. Will Hoskin-Elliott is expected to return having recovered from a broken hand, leaving Finlay Macrae as the only player with first-team experience (all of 11 games) on the injury list.

On the other hand, the Blues’ injury dramas continue with midfielder Sam Walsh (hamstring) and utility Jack Silvagni (knee) going down against the Eagles. Big names Adam Cerra (hamstring) and Patrick Cripps (cork) will need to pass an injury test to be available, while ruckman Marc Pittonet and half-forward Zac Fisher are available for selection.

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Collingwood v Carlton betting predictions

Last time these two sides faced each other, Collingwood claimed a comfortable 28-point win. However, with Carlton winning their last five games in a row, they present a much greater challenge to the Magpies on this occasion.

That said, the Magpies are clearly the top team in the AFL and, at full strength, should be too much for the Blues. With Carlton’s undermanned midfield, the Magpies should have a major advantage in clearances. The Blues are also lacking height up forward – which, against the best defence in the AFL, poses a major challenge. At $1.38 with Neds, we are backing the Magpies in this one.

Having a terrific 2023 season, Josh Daicos has been a critical part of the Magpies’ success this season. The star wingman has collected the second-most disposals for Collingwood this season, averaging 27.8 disposals per game over the last five weeks, so he looks a good play to collect 25 or more disposals this Friday night at $1.73 with Palmerbet.

Daniel McStay has come back to the Collingwood forward line in good form, kicking multiple goals in both games since his return from injury. At 195cm, McStay regularly has the size advantage over his opponent as he takes the second defender. The former Lion is one of the most accurate players in the league when going for goal, and he shows great value to kick two or more this week at $2.80 with top AFL bookmakers.

Magpies v Blues key matchup: Darcy Moore v Charlie Curnow

Darcy Moore vs Charlie Curnow

The expected All-Australian centre-halfback this season, Darcy Moore has been the dominant player in the best defence in the AFL. The Collingwood captain has been exceptional in the air, leading the competition for intercept marks while also playing one-on-one with his direct opponent. He faces a tough task this week as he takes on the Coleman Medl leader in a matchup that will be critical in deciding the match.

Coming off a 10-goal haul last week, Charlie Curnow will be looking to continue his form and keep the Carlton win streak going. With the lack of other options going forward, Curnow will have lots of opportunities inside 50, but will require assistance from his fellow forwards to give him space so the Magpies defence can’t work together to limit his run at the ball.

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