The Bombers are at almost full strength for tomorrow's game with only Dean Rioli and perhaps Danny Jacobs possible inclusions.
Mark Johnson has fully recovered from a shoulder injury and will play while Darren Bewick will undergo a fitness test this afternoon before a decision on whether he plays is made.
Carlton on the other hand will be missing two match winners in Stephen Silvagni and Anthony Koutoufides.
They are undoubtedly a loss for the Blues but in no way does it mean the Blues can't overcome the Bombers tomorrow.
Carlton is happy to go into the match as underdogs with coach David Parkin trying to play up the tag yesterday saying his side needed some kind of "football miracle" to win.
There will be some excellent battles all over the ground but none will be more important than John Barnes v Matthew Allan.
Barnes has been superb all year for the Bombers and if he can dominate in the ruck and around the ground Essendon will have a decided advantage.
Allan is a class player who has missed some football this season with a knee injury. But he has some games under his belt now and will make his presence felt.
Carlton can also throw Mark Porter into the ruck if Allan is tiring. Porter and Allan can also be a useful options up forward for Carlton.
Should the rain continue, the ground level contests will become increasingly significant and little separates the two sides in this department.
The Bombers have a number of players they can rotate through the middle including Joe Misiti, Jason Johnson, James Hird, Justin Blumfield, Mark Johnson, Blake Caracella and Michael Long.
Carlton will be well served by All-Australian centreman Brett Ratten who was dominant the last time these two sides met.
Scott Camporeale runs all day and uses the ball well and does veteran Craig Bradley. Anthony Franchina, Fraser Brown, Simon Fletcher and Matthew Lappin will also rotate through the middle.
It will be an excellent battle and if the Bombers can get enough of the ball, the forwards should get plenty of opportunities to post a match-winning score.
The forward six of James Hird, Scott Lucas, Mark Mercuri, Steven Alessio, Matthew Lloyd and Michael Long looks excellent on paper.
At the other end of the ground, Lance Whitnall and Aaron Hamill are the stars. Both lead well and can capitalise on any mid-field dominance.
Trent Hotton and Brendan Fevola are also capable of kicking multiple goals so the Bomber defence will have plenty on it plate.
It should be an enthralling match in front of a capacity crowd - a day to remember for those supporting the winning side.
