<p>It’s the biggest day of the home-and-away season. Collingwood hosts Essendon on ANZAC Day with over 90k expected to fill the rafters at the MCG.</p> <p>With both teams in winning form, it’s set to be a match befitting the occasion as the Pies look to cement their place at the top of the ladder while the Bombers are looking to continue pushing into the top eight.</p> <p>The Dons have won their past three after dropping its first two games of the season. They survived a massive scare last weekend against the Eagles, coming from behind and then holding on for dear life to claim a two-point win.</p> <p>The Pies are flying high once again at the top off the ladder after soundly beating the reigning premiers at the Gabba on Thursday night. They enter ANZAC Day in good form and good health, and are set to be boosted by a returning Dan Houston from suspension.</p> <p>The Dons will be forced into shuffling their big man decks once again after a season-ending Achilles injury to Sam Draper. It means they will need to call on veteran Todd Goldstein to fill the void in the ruck. Forward Kyle Langford also looks set to return to the side after overcoming injury.</p> <p>It’s a big occasion. Hopefully we get a game as good and as close as last year's ANZAC clash.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Pies vs Dons predictions and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Essendon Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Collingwood Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Isaac Quaynor, Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard</p> <p>HB: Dan Houston, Billy Frampton, Josh Daicos</p> <p>C: Steele Sidebottom, Patrick Lipinski, Jack Crisp</p> <p>HF: Jordan De Goey, Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott</p> <p>F: Bobby Hill, Dan McStay, Tim Membrey</p> <p>Foll: Darcy Cameron, Scott Pendlebury, Nick Daicos</p> <p>Int: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Ed Allan, Ned Long, Beau McCreery, Mason Cox</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Essendon Predicted Team</h3> <p>B: Jordan Ridley, Ben McKay, Andy McGrath</p> <p>HB: Jaxon Prior, Zach Reid, Mason Redman</p> <p>C: Archie Roberts, Dylan Shiel, Will Setterfield</p> <p>HF: Nic Martin, Nate Caddy, Jade Gresham</p> <p>F: Isaac Kako, Peter Wright, Kyle Langford</p> <p>Foll: Todd Goldstein, Zach Merrett, Sam Durham</p> <p>Int: Ben Hobbs, Archie Perkins, Jye Menzie, Saad El-Hawli, Xavier Duursma</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Essendon Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>Both these clashes last year were fantastic. Essendon won a late-season thriller by two goals which was preceded by a crazy draw on ANZAC Day.</p> <p>Collingwood holds the favour in the head-to-head still, and are rightly favoured in this one given the exposed form.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Pies defence is the best in the competition at the moment, and their attack is also sitting in the top four. So their game and system is in pretty good order.</p> <p>Nick Daicos did as he pleased in the first half against the Lions before Chris Fagan sent Jarrod Berry to him. Even then, the young maestro couldn’t be contained as he and his brother ran riot at the Gabba.</p> <p>Brad Scott has already flagged that there will be time put into Nick, but the Pies have so many more weapons than just its young superstar.&nbsp;</p> <p>He will receive a boost in his front half with Kyle Langford fit again and ready to take his place back in the lineup to support Peter Wright who kicked six goals last week. Veteran ruck Todd Goldstein will also return to replace the injured Sam Draper.</p> <p>It’s forecasted to be a wet day on Friday, which could play even more into Collingwood’s hands with their superior skills.&nbsp;</p> <p>Despite the weather, the Pies should continue on their merry way. They have too much class over the park.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-essendon-9125345">Collingwood</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>So many likely types to pick from, especially in the Collingwood attacking half. It would be a question of matchups from the Bombers, but Dan McStay has made a habit of hitting the scoreboard early. Scoring in the first quarter in three of his past four matches.</p> <p>He scored the first goal last week and we’re backing him to go again this week.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-essendon-9125345">Dan McStay</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>The Daicos boys did as they pleased last week, and would be very easy selections here if you’re looking for an easy winner.</p> <p>One of the older Pies that is turning back the clock with his performances this year is Steele Siebottom. The veteran winger has averaged 24.3 disposals this year, only dipping below 20 touches once (Round 0). $1.88 for 25+ seems a bit short considering the form he is in, but we’re going to back the old boy in again for it.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/collingwood-v-essendon-9125345">Steele Sidebottom (25+ disposals)</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Collingwood vs Essendon Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Friday, April 25, 2025.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 3:20pm AEST.</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> MCG, Melbourne.</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/Kayo Sports.</p>