Essendon v Bulldogs AFL tips & predictions – Friday, July 21

Essendon v Western Bulldogs best bets

Bombers v Bulldogs AFL R19 match preview

Round 19 of the 2023 AFL Premiership kicks off with a blockbuster clash between the Essendon Bombers and the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium. Two sides holding onto their position in the eight by percentage, the loser of this match risks dropping out of the finals positions.

The Bombers were outclassed by the Cats in Geelong last week, going down by 77 points. Their biggest loss of the season so far, the Bombers crumbled under the Geelong pressure, turning the ball over in poor positions to allow easy shots on goal. On top of this, Essendon recorded their lowest number of inside 50s since 1999, showing how comprehensively they were beaten around the ground.

The Western Bulldogs faced off against the Sydney Swans last Thursday night, playing a back-and-forth thriller where they eventually went down by two points. Leading on three separate occasions in the last quarter, the Dogs have only themselves to blame.

With the Bulldogs in seventh and the Dons in eighth on the AFL ladder, this one presents as an even contest between two sides playing very inconsistent footy.

After getting through last week’s match largely unscathed, the Bombers welcome back veteran ruckman Andrew Phillips – a much-needed addition to take on the in-form Tim English.

For the Bulldogs, key defender James O’Donnell will miss after suffering a concussion last weekend. There are also concerns surrounding Sam Darcy, who missed the majority of last week’s match with a corked quad. However, they are expected to welcome back Bailey Smith, who missed last week due to illness.

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Essendon v Western Bulldogs betting strategy

With the match being played at the home ground for both sides, there is no clear home advantage in this one. The Bulldogs have won eight out of the last nine matchups against Essendon and come into this one as favourites once again. Having played last Thursday, the Bulldogs have an eight-day break ahead of this match, while the Bombers only have a six-day break leading in.

One of the top midfield sides in the AFL, expect the Bulldogs to be too strong for Essendon around the contest. At $1.81 with Palmerbet, we like the Bulldogs in this one to strengthen their position inside the top eight.

A key part of this star-studded Bulldogs midfield is Jack Macrae, who combines inside and outside possession to impact the contest. A three-time All-Australian, Macrae is known for his decision-making and ability to find the football. Averaging 26.4 disposals so far this season, we like him to continue his good form as he collects 25 or more disposals at $1.68 odds.

With the majority of their goals coming from three players, the Bulldogs’ forward entries give many opportunities to forwards Aaron Naughton, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Cody Weightman. In particular, the lattermost of that trio has enjoyed playing against the Bombers in the past, with his second-best goal-to-game ratio against a side in the AFL.

Crafty and opportunistic, Weightman is never out of the game, kicking goals from marking contests or crumbing the loose ball. Averaging two goals a game this season, the small forward looks a good bet for two or more goals at $1.69 with top AFL bookmakers.

Bombers v Bulldogs key matchup: Phillips v English

Andrew Phillips vs Tim English

Coming back from suspension, Andrew Phillips will be tasked with matching up on the form ruckman in the AFL, Tim English. A solid hitout ruckman, Phillips will be looking to neutralise his opposite number’s impact in the contest; however, he will be relying on assistance from teammates given English’s ability to cover the ground.

English is coming off a career-best 60 hitouts last week against the part-time Swans pairing. Widely tipped to be All-Australian, expect him to put together another great performance for the Bulldogs as he comes up against another side playing without its number one ruck.

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