Marvel Stadium will play host to Saturday's Round 20 AFL game between Essendon Bombers and Sydney Swans. The game kicks off at 7:25 pm with Sydney Swans heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Essendon Bombers vs. Sydney Swans game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday July 29, 2023 at 7:25 pm

Where: Marvel Stadium

Bet: Bet On This Match HERE

Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Odds

Essendon Bombers vs Sydney Swans Preview

The finals chances of the Bombers and Swans hang on a knife edge heading into this pivotal clash at Marvel on Saturday night.

Essendon’s hopes have suffered a serious blow on the back of blowout losses to Geelong and the Bulldogs, two puzzling results for a club that has defeated Melbourne and pushed Collingwood to the sword this year.

Almost in reverse, the Swans have come roaring back into the finals picture, rattling off a pair of wins over the Dogs and Freo in succession.

Both clubs have their own individual problems, but what they do have in common is low-scoring, sluggish games.

The Bombers clearly lacked any direction last week against the Dogs, trapped inside their own back half on multiple occasions, too afraid to attack up the middle.

The Swans, meanwhile, have hardly resembled the sharp, lethal team that made the Grand Final last year, finally kicking more than 100 points for just the second time since Round 7 last week against Freo.

The inconsistent nature of both clubs makes this a tricky game to tip, but it is worth noting three of their last five meetings have been decided by no more than nine points.

If Buddy Franklin has an impact like he did last week against Freo, the Swans look a good bet – particularly if they can take the game on and apply pressure, just like the Dogs did last week.

Despite their struggles, Sydney has been the second-best tackling team in the competition, meaning if the Dons aren’t up for the challenge in front of their home fans, this could be another soul-crushing loss.

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