Sydney v Gold Coast betting tips and prediction | AFL Rd 6

Sydney v Gold Coast best bets

Sydney v Gold Coast match preview

The high-flying Sydney Swans return from a bye to host the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG in a round six AFL fixture that might be closer than it initially appears.

Sydney have enjoyed a solid start to the AFL season with wins over fellow final contenders Collingwood and Melbourne, and cellar-dwellers West Coast. They should be rested and fresh after a week off, following a tough trip to WA that can produce a hangover effect if not carefully managed. While the game was close, the Eagles are improving, and the Swans were happy to bank the premiership points.

Sydney should field a largely unchanged side for this fixture, with their injury list pleasingly short. There was hope that Luke Parker would be ready to return from a broken arm but will miss at least one more week. Dane Rampe was also on the brink of selection following a hamstring strain but has also come up short. Midfielder Angus Sheldrick looks like he will be available after suffering a minor finger issue.

The Suns delivered a spanking to the Hawks in round five, leading throughout to win by 53 points. Gold Coast predictably won all the key stats including disposals, inside 50s, and clearances with the honours shared among their young list. They ran their opponents ragged with 231 uncontested possessions to 138, defended strongly, and booted 16 majors in a polished display.

The Suns are also blessed with a short injury list following five rounds and look a more settled side this year. Small forward Malcolm Rosas suffered a bad hamstring injury during the win over the Hawks and looks set to miss about eight weeks. Of the players demoted to reserve grade, Rory Atkins dominated with 37 disposals and Ben Long slotted five goals, but coach Damien Hardwick is likely to stick with the youngsters that produced the goods in round five.

Sydney v Gold Coast betting tips and strategy

With both sides playing smooth attacking football, this promises to be a high-scoring affair. Fine weather is predicted, and we are expecting both sides to hit the scoreboard. Over 172.5 total points at $1.88 with Neds seems like a safe betting option for this matchup.

It is hard to imagine that the Swans will be defeated on home soil, but we are not expecting a blowout. The Suns appear to be responding favourably to the Hardwick game plan and should be playing with plenty of confidence. We are sticking with the Swans by 39 points or less for a $1.88 return on Unibet.

Gold Coast midfielder Noah Anderson is enjoying a breakout season and was unstoppable against the Hawks with 36 disposals, eight marks, eight tackles, six clearances, and one goal. We are hoping he can continue this vein of form and score at least one goal, which is paying $2.25 with Neds.com.au.

Sports betting tips