<p>Saturday footy this week features a double-header at Marvel Stadium, beginning with Carlton hosting the GWS Giants.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s safe to say that the stakes for this match are enormous. Both teams are coming off disappointing losses, leaving their seasons hanging in the balance.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues let another strong first half filled with squandered chances slip away. They allowed Issac Heeney to do whatever he pleased as they lost another game to the Swans in Sydney.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Giants failed to build on their impressive win against the Cats. They simply weren’t at the races against the Dockers in their return match at ENGIE Stadium, missing routine goals and defending poorly. This marks their third lackluster defensive outing in the past month, a stark departure from their usual miserly defence.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues sit at 4-6 and remain outside the top eight, unable to afford any more slip-ups or they risk losing touch with the chasing pack. The Giants stand at 5-5 and cling to their position in the top eight on percentage.&nbsp;</p> <p>Safe to say, it’s a massive afternoon at Marvel Stadium.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Both teams are banged up and in need of reinforcements. The Blues will need to replace Jordan Boyd, who will miss the game due to concussion protocols, and Jack Silvagni, who will be sidelined with a groin complaint. However, they are set to receive a boost with four significant inclusions, led by ruckman Tom De Koning, who missed last week with a bruised larynx. He should be joined by first-choice trio Blake Acres, Lachie Fogarty, and Zac Williams.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Giants will be without a key player in their midfield, as young gun Finn Callaghan is set to miss up to a month with a shoulder complaint. They are also concerned about the availability of stars Stephen Coniglio and Brent Daniels, who have both struggled with injuries. The former is considered more likely to return than the latter.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a big day for the Giants as well, with skipper Toby Greene set to play his 250th game.&nbsp;</p> <p>It can’t be overstated, The consequences for the loser of this match—particularly for the home side if they lose—are significant.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Blues vs Giants prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs GWS Giants Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Carlton Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Matt Carroll, Jacob Weitering, Adam Saad</p> <p>HB: Nick Haynes, Mitch McGovern, Blake Acres</p> <p>C: Ollie Hollands, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh</p> <p>HF: Elijah Hollands, Charlie Curnow, Zac Williams</p> <p>F: Corey Durdin, Harry McKay, Lachie Fogarty</p> <p>Foll: Tom De Koning, George Hewett, Adam Cerra</p> <p>Int: Cooper Lord, Will White, Jaxon Binns, Lewis Young, Sam Docherty&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>GWS Giants Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Connor Idun, Sam Taylor, Harry Himmelberg</p> <p>HB: Lachie Whitfield, Jack Buckley, Lachie Ash</p> <p>C: Callan Ward, Tom Green, Jacob Wehr</p> <p>HF: Xavier O’Halloran, Aaron Cadman, Darcy Jones</p> <p>F: Jake Riccardi, Jesse Hogan, Toby Greene</p> <p>Foll: Kieran Briggs, Toby Bedford, Stephen Coniglio</p> <p>Int: Callum Brown, Joe Fonti, James Leake, Cody Angove, Harvey Thomas</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton vs GWS Giants Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Blues hold sway in the recent head-to-head, winning three of the past five matches.&nbsp;</p> <p>It’s a marked uptick in performances against the Giants for the Blues who have the worst win-loss differential for non-expansion sides against the AFL’s newest team.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues still have one of the best defensive groups in the game, it’s offensively that is causing them problems. They’re third for inside 50 differential, fourth for time in forward half, and third for defensive 50 to inside 50 transition.</p> <p>This week could spell more of the same, especially against the unit of Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Connor Idun, and the rebounders Lachie Whitfield &amp; Lachie Ash. It’s a big afternoon for Charlie Curnow &amp; Harry McKay and equally, the small forwards at Carlton who as a unit, have kicked just five goals in the last month.</p> <p>Plus, we saw what the defence looked like last time Jack Silvagni was missing… the Blues lost by 10 goals to the Crows. Showcasing what an important cog he has become down there in a short space of time. Jesse Hogan will no doubt set himself for a big afternoon, just like the last time he played Carlton when he kicked a bag of five.&nbsp;</p> <p>The last two matches between these two sides have been shootouts, which would favour the Giants given the Blues' scoring woes. If the Blues can make a scrap of it, and assert midfield dominance, they should be good enough to overpower the Giants at home.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Blues’ season is on the line here. As desperate as they are, we trust the Giants that little bit more…</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-gws-giants-9208271">Giants</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>Charlie Curnow loves playing at Marvel Stadium.</p> <p>He’s kicked 32 goals in his last eight games under the roof and is rolling into form in 2025 after a delayed start.</p> <p>He’ll look to assert himself early and get the partisan Carlton crowd rocking and on-side early.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-gws-giants-9208271"> Charlie Curnow</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>Look for Sam Walsh to put a string of poor numbers, and another uncharacteristically poor game behind him.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>Walsh has enjoyed playing the Giants recently, averaging 29.4 disposals against them in his last five games, including a massive 35 touches the last time they met under the dome.</p> <p>With the Blues’ season on the line, he’ll look to level up and stop the rot.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/carlton-v-gws-giants-9208271">Sam Walsh</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Carlton Blues vs Greater Western Sydney Giants Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Saturday, May 24th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>12:35 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>