These two traditional rivals go head to head on Sunday with the two sides in contrasting positions so far this season.

Essendon head into the clash with the expectation of staying undefeated following wins against Hawthorn and Brisbane. They'll be bolstered in the ruck department with Matthew Leuenberger set to be named for his first game this season while John Worsfold has a number of options to replace Ben Howlett following a hamstring strain.

The Bombers have been impressive in patches this year and will be looking to string together a four quarter performance this Sunday.

Carlton could be without star midfielder Patrick Cripps after suffering a hairline fracture of the jaw last week against Melbourne. Sam Kerridge looks like the man to replace him while veteran Rhys Palmer and Blaine Boekhorst could also be included in the forward line.

Carlton haven't been disgraced by any means in the opening two rounds but lack the polish required around the contest and going forward to do any serious damage.

In saying that, if there's one clash the Blues are always up for, it's this one.

Essendon by 28.

Score Breakdown

	1	2	3	4
	1.5 11	3.10 28	5.14 44	7.15 57
	3.1 19	4.3 27	6.4 40	6.6 42

Best On Ground