Essendon v Carlton R13 tips, odds & team news | AFL 2024

Essendon v Carlton R13 betting picks

Round 13: Essendon v Carlton match preview

Old rivals with big finals aspirations will clash at the MCG this Sunday night when Essendon take on Carlton in round 13 of the AFL.

Essendon suffered a narrow defeat to the Suns in round 12 but remain well ahead of pre-season expectations. The Bombers kicked five majors in the final quarter to get within 11 points of the Suns but ran out of time to complete the comeback win. The loss breaks a winning run of six games for Essendon, who remain second on the ladder.

Essendon will be missing defender Mason Redman, who is out with a hamstring strain. Kyle Langford was subbed out during the loss to the Suns with a hip complaint and remains in doubt, while ruck Todd Goldstein will need to pass a fitness test on his ankle. Midfielder Will Setterfield produced a big effort in the VFL last week with a pair of goals and 29 disposals and will be back into the seniors this week.

Carlton are second favourites in 2024 AFL Premiership betting after a pair of impressive wins over the Suns and Port Adelaide. The Blues are playing the type of tight, defensive football that wins finals, and marquee stars Charlie Curnow and Patrick Cripps are in red-hot form. Curnow leads the Coleman Medal betting and Cripps looks poised for another bold showing on Brownlow Medal night.

Carlton have a wealth of talent stranded on the injury list, but significant lineup changes appear unlikely after the win over the Power. Young ruck Tom De Koning has done a stellar job in recent weeks and may hold onto his spot even if Marc Pittonet recovers from a finger injury. Orazio Fantasia continues to struggle for form and may face the axe, with Jack Carroll and Jaxon Binns the most likely to be promoted.

Recommended!

Take It To The Neds Level

Home of the Neds Toolbox

Check Out Neds

18+ Gamble Responsibly

It Pays To Play

New online bookmaker

Check Out PlayUp

18+ Gamble Responsibly

Never Ordinary

Never Ordinary

Visit Bet365

GETON is not a bonus code and does not grant access to additional offers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. New customers only. #ad Full T's and C's.

Say Hey to the social bet!

You Better Believe It

Join Dabble

18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms.

Next Gen Racing Betting

Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race.

Join Picklebet

18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with?

Essendon v Carlton Rd 13 predictions

There has been something irresistible about Carlton’s recent efforts, and they go into this matchup as warm favourites. There will be no quarter given between these old rivals, and a blowout either way appears unlikely. Carlton to prevail by 39 points or less represents solid value at $2.15 on Neds.

Given the expected closeness of this contest, both sides may play an extra man behind the ball at times. Midfield and tackling pressure should be fierce, impeding ball movement across the park. A low-scoring affair seems likely, so under 170.5 total points is the tip at $1.88.

Carlton small forward Lachie Fogarty might be one to watch in this game. If the Blues can pressure Essendon’s defence with repeat entries, he might find some space at the feet of the big men and pinch a goal or two if the ball comes to ground. Fogarty as an anytime goalkicker might be worth a dabble at $2.55 with top AFL bookmakers.

Sports betting tips