Essendon vs. Carlton Predictions

We have Essendon vs. Carlton predictions for AFL action on Thursday August 21 at 7:30pm at the MCG.

Round 24 kicks off with the Bombers vs Blues, where the Blues are heavily favoured to hand Essendon another loss.

Essendon vs. Carlton Predictions

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Best Bet

Carlton –26.5 @ $1.90

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Carlton defeated Essendon 78-70 earlier this year, and although that was a close game, we expect the Blues to score a much easier win on Thursday.

It has been a disappointing year for the Blues, who had finals ambitions, which were put to bed with three consecutive losses. However, we like the way they bounced back when putting Port Adelaide away with ease last week.

Given Essendon’s recent losing streak, Carlton should do enough to cover the –26.5 spread. It’s a big week for Essendon, which plays two games, and that could take its toll mentally. Therefore, take the favourite to cover the spread.

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Same Game Multi

Carlton –26.5, Francis Evans 2+ Goals, Peter Wright 2+ Goals, Total Match Points Over 167.5 @ $9.25

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Punters get good odds for Francis Evans and Peter Wright to go score 2+ goals, so we’re including one player from each team in our AFL same game multi picks.

Evans has been in terrific form recently, kicking eight goals from his last three games. He had a great game against Gold Coast when kicking four goals, and if he’s anywhere near that level of form, he should kick two goals.

Wright has underperformed in his last three games, but getting $2.18 for 2+ goals is great shopping. If he’s anywhere near his best, he should kick a double for Essendon, in what could be a high-scoring contest at the MCG.

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Best Value Bet

Harry McKay First Goal Scorer @ $7.50

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Harry McKay couldn’t have been more impressive against Port Adelaide last week, kicking seven goals in a fine display.

He was excellent from set shots, and he shouldn’t struggle to get early opportunities against a struggling Essendon defence. Therefore, the $7.50 for McKay to kick the first goal is generous enough to include as a value bet.

Editor In Chief

Daryl Curnow

After graduating from the University of Auckland (BA - English), Daryl was thrown into the world of sports and horse racing journalism.

Having worked as a racing journalist for two years, he decided to move into the online world of horse racing and sports writing. After years of honing his craft, Daryl became a professional punter in 2009 - with a focus on horse racing, NRL, AFL, NBA, Rugby, NFL, and US college sports.

Daryl's tips have been featured on various websites around the world before joining the GoBet team. When he's not working, Daryl tries to avoid making bogeys on the golf course.