MCG will play host to Friday's Round 20 AFL game between Collingwood Magpies and Carlton Blues. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Collingwood Magpies heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Collingwood Magpies vs. Carlton Blues game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday July 28, 2023 at 7:50 pm

Where: MCG

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Collingwood Magpies vs Carlton Blues Odds

Collingwood Magpies vs Carlton Blues Preview

Riding a five-game winning streak and now eight points clear atop the ladder, it feels like the Premiership might be Collingwood’s to lose at this point.

Craig McRae’s side continues to look the part, not only rallying each week when their backs are against the wall, but also playing a collective, emotional brand of footy, the likes we haven’t seen in maybe forever.

Carlton, on the other hand, find themselves riding their own five-game winning streak, only with everything left to prove.

A cruisy game against West Coast last week resulted in a percentage-boosting 71-point victory, setting the stage for an epic rivalry clash on Friday night that has lived up to the hype in recent times.

Two of the last three clashes between the Pies and Blues have been decided by less than a goal, Collingwood prevailing 85-57 when they last met back in Round 10.

Brody Mihocek was star of the show booting four goals, and it’s fair to say Collingwood’s forward line has gone up a gear since then.

Jamie Elliott is in career-best form, while Beau McCreery remains an underrated cog in McRae’s machine that continues to deliver on a weekly basis.

The Blues have also found some form in the forward half of the ground, Charlie Curnow enjoying a 10-goal fill-up last week that puts him in the driver’s seat for the Coleman Medal.

Unfortuantely though, Carlton might have to go about this week’s game without a few of their key stars. Sam Walsh, Patrick Cripps, and Sam Docherty are just a few on the injury report at time of publish, posing a potential nightmare against a deep Collingwood attack.

Speaking of form, aside from Carlton’s win over Port a fortnight ago, it’s hard to get overly excited about the Blues’ recent winning streak.

Michael Voss’ men has no doubt been much-improved when it comes to ball movement and discipline since the bye, but compared to a battkle-tested Collingwood side, wins over West Coast, Freo, and Hawthorn don’t quite stack up.

With the crowd also likely to play a major factor, backing against Collingwood right now seems almost impossible.

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