Sydney v Western Bulldogs betting tips and prediction | AFL Rd 20

Sydney v Western Bulldogs tips

Sydney v Bulldogs R20 match preview

The Sydney Swans will be out to arrest their recent slide when they host the surging Western Bulldogs in what looms as a mini-final at the SCG on Sunday.

The Swans are $1.50 favourites to defeat the Bulldogs ($2.65) and desperately need a win after dropping three of their last four matches.

After losing a nailbiter to the Lions in round 19, the Swans’ form has been mediocre at best. The only win during this disappointing month was against the lowly Kangaroos, so the AFL Premiership favourites need to lift as they enter the business end of the season.

Despite sitting atop the table, the Swans have some interesting stats. They rank 10th in the AFL for both clearances and tackles, third for kicks but only eighth for marks, suggesting they often kick for distance rather than to find a target.

Sydney’s lengthy injury list was extended in the loss to the Lions, with forwards Tom Papley and Will Hayward and defender Dane Rampe all casualties. Hayward will face a midweek test, but the others are set to miss numerous weeks. On the upside, Callum Mills is likely to return after being rested from the trip to the Gabba.

The Bulldogs kept their September aspirations alive with a thumping 47-point win over the Cats in Geelong. The Dogs have won four of their last five games, including some big scalps such as premiership contenders Fremantle and Carlton.

The Bulldogs sit just outside the eight, but their numbers suggest they can beat anyone when their game comes together. Impressively, the Bulldogs are ranked fourth for clearances, third for disposals, fifth for inside 50s and third for goals.

Bulldogs defender Liam Jones appears likely to return from a knee injury, while midfielder Anthony Scott will miss due to concussion protocols. Other changes are unlikely given their solid recent form.

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Sydney v Bulldogs betting tips

Given recent form, this looks like a very competitive fixture. The Dogs will be riding high after their successful trip to Geelong and have a top-eight spot to play for. Back the Western Bulldogs to get within 13.5 points to return $1.90 with major bookies.

Bulldogs midfielder Adam Treloar is playing some of his best-ever football this season and dominated in round 19 with 31 disposals, six clearances and three goals. Back him to hit the scoreboard again for a $2.25 return with Neds.

This shapes as a tight, finals-like contest with high pressure and plenty of contested ball, which may stifle scoring. The Swans have struggled for accuracy in their recent losses, so take under 177.5 total match points to return $1.90 with Unibet.

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