Marvel Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 8 AFL game between Carlton Blues and Brisbane Lions. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with Carlton Blues heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Carlton Blues vs. Brisbane Lions game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday May 5, 2023 at 7:50 pm

Where: Marvel Stadium

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Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions Odds

Carlton Blues vs Brisbane Lions Preview

A potential finals preview awaits on Friday night with the fourth-placed Lions traveling to Marvel to take on the Blues.

Brisbane has strung together four on the trot after downing Fremantle by a comfortable 48-point margin at the Gabba last week, another clinical performance from Chris Fagan’s side following a questionable start to the year.

The Blues, on the other hand, snapped a two-game skid against easy beats West Coast, but after losing back-to-back games to top eight opponents previously, Carlton fans have every right to feel nervous.

Aside from their position on the ladder, this should be a fascinating battle between a Lions team that has been scoring points at will, and a Blues outfit that has surprisingly allowed the third-fewest points to opponents.

With Charlie Curnow and Charlie Cameron both staking a serious claim for the Coleman, it goes without saying that both sides are quite evenly matched up forward. But where this game could be won and lost is down back.

Brisbane has held its last three opponents to under 80 points, and while it’s worth remembering those three games came against North Melbourne, GWS, and Fremantle, it does spell potential disaster for a Carlton team that has struggled to get the ball inside 50 all year.

Pressure will also be a big part of this contest with both sides struggling in the tackles department through the first two months, and I do think the Lions are at a disadvantage with two key stalwarts in Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich inactive.

Rich’s absence can’t be underestimated as he typically gives the Lions some real run out of their back half and some stability in crucial moments.

On recent form, the Lions appear the safer bet, but back home following a confidence-boosting trip to Perth, I think the bookies have got this one right.

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