2019 AFL – Collingwood vs Essendon Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Collingwood vs Essendon taking place? Friday 23rd August – 10:50 (UK) / 19:50 (AEST)
Where is Collingwood vs Essendon taking place? MCG, Melbourne
What television channel is Collingwood vs Essendon on? BT Sport 1 in UK / Channel 7/Foxtel in Australia
Where can I stream Collingwood vs Essendon? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or app in the UK / This match can be streamed live via the AFL Live app in Australia
Where can I get tickets for Collingwood vs Essendon? https://www.afl.com.au/tickets
THE TEAM NEWS
COLLINGWOOD
- Collingwood Magpies made it three wins in a row as they hammered Adelaide Crows in what was another impressive display to further enhance their form ahead of the finals but they need some help in their bid to finish in the top 4.
- The Magpies sit four points behind three of the top 4 and a win would give them a shot at overhauling one of those teams but they will have to settle for fifth if other results do not go their way.
- Their final game of the regular season sees them host Essendon Bombers and they have seen no reason to change a winning side other than making one enforced change with Steele Sidebottom sidelined with a ruptured testicle which sees Darcy Moore return.
ESSENDON
- Essendon Bombers secured their place in the play-offs with victory over Fremantle Dockers last week but their hopes of sealing a home game in the elimination finals could be hampered by some injury issues this week.
- The Bombers put their back-to-back losses behind them by overcoming the Dockers but they will be without Dyson Heppell, Orazio Fantasia, David Zaharakis and Jake Stringer who have all collected knocks.
- Zac Clarke is also out whilst Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is dropped with Cale Hooker, Josh Begley, Jayden Laverde, Tom Bellchambers and Dylan Clarke coming into the side along with Tom Jok who will make his AFL debut.
THE PREDICTION
Collingwood Magpies will round off their regular season with a home game against Essendon but they will have one more home game in the finals. They cannot finish lower than fifth and still have a chance of making the top 4 but need other results to fall their way this weekend. They host an Essendon side who will hope to finish in sixth and secure a home elimination final but with numerous injuries coupled with the form Collingwood are in, they look set to be in for a disappointing end to the regular season with the home side able to claim a fourth consecutive victory.
