Essendon vs Sydney AFL Round 20 betting tips – July 31, 2021

Initially scheduled for Friday night, the Essendon Bombers and Sydney Swans will instead clash on Saturday evening at the Gabba as round 20 of the 2021 AFL Premiership rolls on.

These sides faced off in a thrilling contest back in round four earlier this season, with the Swans holding on to win by just three points.

The Bombers’ quick ball movement was not enough to beat the Giants in round 19, while the exciting Swans blew away the Dockers by 40 points.

Lance Franklin was originally suspended for this clash after striking Fremantle’s Luke Ryan, but the Swans took the case to the tribunal and successfully appealed the decision. Callum Mills and Harry Cunningham are also ready to return after completing their COVID-19 isolation periods.

Kyle Langford will push for selection at training this week, but the Bombers will be cautious with the 24-year-old midfielder’s hamstring injury.

Essendon vs Sydney match preview

Ben Rutten and John Longmire were praised early in the season for blooding their newest draftees, who have all had an impact at senior level this season. Nik Cox and Errol Gulden are two candidates for this year’s Rising Star award, with both youngsters making an impact on the wing in their debut season.

Both teams like to play-on from marks and move the ball quickly, but Dyson Heppell steadies the Dons in defence. The Essendon captain’s cool head allows the likes of Nick Hind and Mason Redman to run-and-carry freely. Heppell is going at 25 disposals per match this year, and you can back him at $1.72 with Sportsbet to surpass his season average this weekend.

EssendonBombers

• Jayden Laverde
• Aaron Francis
• Mason Redman
• Dyson Heppell
• Jordan Ridley
• Nick Hind
• Sam Durham
• Zach Merrett
• Nikolas Cox
• Devon Smith
• James Stewart
• Archie Perkins
• Will Snelling
• Peter Wright
• Jake Stringer
• Sam Draper
• Kyle Langford
• Darcy Parish
• Tom Cutler
• Dylan Shiel
• Dylan Clarke
• Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
• Matt Guelfi (Emg)
• Alec Waterman (Emg)
• Nick Bryan (Emg)
• Brayden Ham (Emg)
• Coach: Ben Rutten

SydneySwans

• Sam Reid
• Lance Franklin
• Tom Papley
• Will Hayward
• Isaac Heeney
• Sam Wicks
• Geroge Hewett
• Callum Mills
• Justin McInerney
• Nick Blakey
• Tom McCartin
• Jordan Dawson
• Robbie Fox
• Dane Rampe
• Harry Cunningham
• Tom Hickey
• Luke Parker
• Errol Gulden
• Jake Lloyd
• Oliver Florent
• Josh Kennedy
• James Bell
• Colin O’Riordan (Emg)
• Dylan Stephens (Emg)
• Sam Gray (Emg)
• Callum Sinclair (Emg)
• Coach: John Longmire

Key matchup: Darcy Parish vs Luke Parker

The ability of both Darcy Parish and Luke Parker to find the football is apparent, but both midfielders also have a knack for hitting the scoreboard. Parish has slotted a major in each of his last five contests with the Swans, while Parker has kicked seven goals across the last eight weeks. Both are good bets to put at least one major through this weekend, with Parish ($2.88) offering a little more value than Parker ($2.40).

Essendon vs Sydney betting predictions

Sydney Swans to win by 1-24 points

The last four contests between the Bombers and Swans have been decided by 10 points or less, and we think that could be the case again this weekend. The Swans have shown over the last four weeks that they can hang with the best teams in the competition, beating the Eagles, Bulldogs, Giants and Dockers. We expect this game to go down to the wire, but the Swans should get the job done and secure their fifth consecutive win.

Luke Parker anytime goalscorer

The Swans’ captain went forward against the Dockers in round 19 and was rewarded with two goals. Luke Parker has excellent hands in the air and a fluid set-shot routine, which allows the Swans to rest him forward with confidence. Parker kicked a goal against the Bombers in round four and should pop up for another one this Saturday night.

Same game multi: 3 legs @ $13.25

As the Swans did in round four, they will beat the Bombers in a close contest. Luke Parker will keep his goalkicking streak going for one more week, while a big effort from Dyson Heppell will help Essendon stay within touching distance.