<p>The Easter long weekend kicks off with an absolute cracker, with Brisbane hosting Collingwood for its annual Easter Thursday showdown at the Gabba.</p> <p>Both sides emerged victorious from Gather Round, with the Lions overcoming a 39-point margin to run over the top of the Western Bulldogs, to extend their unbeaten run and maintain their perfect start to its premiership defence.</p> <p>Despite personnel issues in their forward line, the Magpies overwhelmed the Swans on Friday night. Their fourth win in a row was another big tick for their credentials as one of the teams to beat this season.</p> <p>Of course, it was only 32 games ago when these two sides faced off in that epic Grand Final. Now, with them both having a premiership in the trophy room, this promises to be an epic battle between two in-form teams.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, odds, team news, and betting tips, check out our Lions vs Magpies preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Brisbane Lions Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Ryan Lester, Harris Andrews, Noah Answerth</p> <p>HB: Callum Ah-Chee, Jack Payne, Dayne Zorko</p> <p>C:&nbsp; Hugh McCluggage, Zac Bailey, Jaspa Fletcher</p> <p>HF: Jarrod Berry, Eric Hipwood, Cam Rayner</p> <p>F: Logan Morris, Sam Day, Charlie Cameron</p> <p>Foll: Oscar McInerney, Josh Dunkley, Lachie Neale</p> <p>Int: Will Ashcroft, Levi Ashcroft, Darcy Wilmot, Bruce Reville, Will McLachlan</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Collingwood Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Brayden Maynard, Billy Frampton, Jeremy Howe</p> <p>HB: Josh Daicos, Darcy Moore, Harry Perryman</p> <p>C: Patrick Lipinski, Jack Crisp, Steele Sidebottom</p> <p>HF: Bobby Hill. Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott</p> <p>F: Beau McCreery, Dan McStay, Jordan De Goey</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Cameron, Ned Long, Nick Daicos</p> <p>Int: Isaac Quaynor, Tim Membrey, Scott Pendlebury, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Ed Allan</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Magpies won both times these two sides met last year, including that late-season classic at the MCG. Including the 2023 Grand Final, this means that the Pies have won the past three meetings between the two sides. Including this corresponding fixture at the Gabba last year.</p> <p>The Lions' form is chalk and cheese compared to this time last year. Even if they’re not at their premiership best form just yet, they’ve gotten themselves to 5-0 and are looking imperious to keep building off it.&nbsp;</p> <p>14 goals in sixty dominant minutes of footy after halftime to run down the Bulldogs must be a sign that their best footy is just around the corner, right?&nbsp;</p> <p>The comeback kings of the last few years (Collingwood) might have something to say about that, though. The Pies' defensive strength this season has continued to grow, with the Moore/Frampton/ Howe combination once again restricting their opponents to a score under 80 points.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their old-timers are continuing to defy age too, with the early season form of Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom will be giving the list management team some headaches with some decisions to make.&nbsp;</p> <p>Both these teams can hit the scoreboard and like going quickly off the half-back line. So, expect the ball to be pinging around all over the place, especially on a dry and hot night in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p> <p>While the Pies have a good record at the Gabba, and look to be boosted by the return of Jordan De Goey, going against the undefeated home side at the moment might seem too bold a call.</p> <p>I think the Lions will win, but with the Pies playing, expect them to cover the line.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-collingwood-9107378">Brisbane</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>No shortage of scoring power in this one, with tall forwards and elusive smalls everywhere you look. My eyes are drawn to the Collingwood end, though, and the milestone man Jamie Elliott. Look for him to mark his 200th game with a bang and the first goal.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-collingwood-9107378">Jamie Elliott</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>If it’s a game involving Collingwood, you’d be mad not to pick Nick Daicos here. He had plenty of it last Friday night against the Swans and had over 50 possessions combined in the two games against the Lions last year.&nbsp;</p> <p>He also averages 31.67 disposals at the Gabba.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/brisbane-lions-v-collingwood-9107378">Nick Daicos (30+ disposals)</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Brisbane Lions vs Collingwood Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Thursday, April 17th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>7:30 PM, AEDT</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>The Gabba, Brisbane</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>