One of the best attacks will go head to head with a resilient defence in a MCG blockbuster between arch-rivals Essendon and Carlton this Saturday.

The Bombers are ranked fourth for points scored this season, while the 17^th placed Blues have conceded fewer points than seven of the sides outside the top eight, including the Bombers. 

Essendon

Points For

1774 (4^th)

Points Against

1656 (13^th)

Carlton

Points For

1301 (18^th)

Points Against

1646 (11^th)

The Blues held the Bombers to six goals when the sides met in wet conditions earlier this season.

“We would be silly if we didn’t learn from the last time we played them, not only for this game but for other games we’ve played throughout the year,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“They’ve talked openly about building their defence first … it’s a great opportunity and a great challenge for us to score against a team with that focus."

Worsfold said the round three loss to Carlton wouldn’t serve as extra motivation.

“We don’t live for redemption, we’re focusing on building a team that is going to win a premiership,” he said.

“To do that we need to play good footy this week and show that we can play it better and stronger.

“If we’re only trying to get fired up because of what happened earlier in the year or last year … that’s not the way we’re going to function.

‘We’re totally focused on playing great footy for our fans and bringing success in the way of winning games and winning premierships.”