<p>Friday night footy at the MCG will see Carlton and Collingwood write the next chapter of their storied rivalry.&nbsp;</p> <p>However, there’s an overwhelming sense that this one will be anything but a classic encounter between two bitter rivals.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pies are flying, sitting 10 points clear of second place at the top of the AFL ladder, while the Blues, not for the first time this generation, are in a world of pain. A pain that could see them weeks away from doing the classic Carlton thing when things go wrong, which is to sack another coach.&nbsp;</p> <p>You don’t need to ask Collingwood fans twice how much they would love to be the ones to break the camel's back.&nbsp;</p> <p>Everyone expected a response from Carlton after their disastrous loss to North Melbourne at the G against Port last Thursday, but they didn’t fire a shot. It was another dismal performance that further enraged the boiling fanbase.&nbsp;</p> <p>So while Carlton is in damage control, Collingwood is in cruise control as they prepare for the end of the season.&nbsp;</p> <p>Granted, they weren’t at their best against the Eagles, but they can get away with that now against this version of West Coast. But, they will definitely lift for a game against Carlton, especially with a golden opportunity to send their rivals into further turmoil.&nbsp;</p> <p>Big nights and days at the MCG are always on the agenda when these two face off, and this will be no different despite the contrasting fortunes of both sides.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the selection front, the Blues will have to face the Pies without two important defenders. Adam Saad was concussed against Port, and Jack Silvagni is very likely to miss this week, and possibly several more, due to a groin injury.&nbsp;</p> <p>Then there are the inevitable unforced changes as Michael Voss looks for a circuit breaker at the selection table.&nbsp;</p> <p>Several youngsters are impressing in the VFL, but how many can be thrown into the fire at once?&nbsp;</p> <p>At Collingwood, Brayden Maynard will return after a month-long absence with a torn plantar fascia. Veteran Steele Sidebottom is likely to miss the match through illness, and livewire small forward Bobby Hill is uncertain to come straight back after missing the Eagles game for personal reasons.&nbsp;</p> <p>Premiership midfielder Tom Mitchell is also in line to play his first game of the season after a strong run of form in the VFL following a long injury layoff.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Blues vs Pies prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Collingwood Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Carlton Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nick Haynes, Jacob Weitering, Lachie Cowan</p> <p>HB: Ollie Hollands, Lewis Young, Jordan Boyd</p> <p>C: Blake Acres, Patrick Cripps, Billy Wilson</p> <p>HF: Orazio Fantasia, Mitch McGovern, Zac Williams</p> <p>F: Jesse Motlop, Charlie Curnow, Lachie Fogarty</p> <p>Foll: Tom De Koning, George Hewett, Adam Cerra</p> <p>Int: Ashton Moir, Flynn Young, Francis Evans, Harry O’Farrell, Alex Cincotta</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Collingwood Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Brayden Maynard, Darcy Moore, Isaac Quaynor</p> <p>HB: Harry Perryman, Charlie Dean, Dan Houston</p> <p>C: Josh Daicos, Ned Long, Ed Allan</p> <p>HF: Jamie Elliott, Charlie West, Tim Membrey</p> <p>F: Bobby Hill, Brody Mihocek, Dan McStay</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Cameron, Nick Daicos, Scott Pendlebury</p> <p>Int: Jeremy Howe, Jack Crisp, Pat Lipinski, Lachie Sullivan, Will Hoskin-Elliott</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs Collingwood Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Collingwood has totally dominated Carlton head-to-head recently. They’ve won eight of the past 10 matches and have gone streets ahead of Carlton in almost every metric.&nbsp;</p> <p>They have the golden chance at the end of the year to go ahead in the one that actually matters most to both sets of supporters.</p> <p>The Pies have held the ranking of the best defence in the competition for the vast majority of the season. Despite their inefficiency moving forward and inability to score and finish their plays throughout the year, the Blues have continually shown they have no issues getting field position and getting the ball inside 50, ranking fourth overall in the competition for inside 50 differentials.</p> <p>Much like Carlton’s opposition the last two weeks, if the Pies turn the game into an uncontested mark game, they will have Carlton players trailing them all day and should win easily.&nbsp;</p> <p>It would be one of the all-time turnarounds in fortune and form if Carlton were to win this game. You’d want them to cover the line and make it competitive at least.</p> <p>Otherwise, Pies fans might have extra reasons to gloat and laugh come Monday morning.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-collingwood-9366239">Magpies</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Pies forward Dan McStay is finding his groove again and looking to hit top form as he makes his way back from a knee injury that threatened to derail his season.&nbsp;</p> <p>He missed out on goals last outing against the Blues, but has kicked a bag of four goals against Carlton on three occasions during his time at the Lions.&nbsp;</p> <p>With Silvagni set to miss for the Blues, He’ll be looking at a favourable matchup and he’s our pick to kick the first on Friday night.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-collingwood-9366239">Dan McStay&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Scott Pendlebury is a marvel. Of his 416 completed AFL games, according to Champion Data,&nbsp; the one team he’s statistically played his best against consistently has been against….. Carlton.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whether it’s getting the ball or playing a sacrificial role, he saves his absolute best for the archest of enemies.</p> <p>The veteran has been in some handy ball-winning form of late, we’re backing him to have another worldy against the Blues with most touches.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-collingwood-9366239">Scott Pendlebury 25+ disposals&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton Blues vs Collingwood Magpies Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date</strong>: Friday, July 4, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:20 PM AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>