The recent matches between Essendon and Carlton have been reasonably close games with both sides having recorded some famous victories. This very fact alone would suggest that Essendon and Carlton match-up very well. That will not change this weekend with some very even contests looking to be certain all over the ground. The ruck contest will be critical and the improved form of Steven Alessio last weekend is a real bonus for the Bombers. We thought we might take a brief look at three possible match-ups that will have a significant bearing on the outcome of the match.

Steven Alessio v Matthew Allan

Steven Alessio was arguably the Bombers number one ruckman before he went down with a knee injury earlier this season. Alessio showed he was returning to some good form when he went into the ruck against Port Adelaide last weekend. His physical strength enabled him to compete on equal terms with Matthew Primus. Matthew Allan is a similar sort of player to Primus and Alessio might even get first crack at him. Allan has only one-game under his belt after returning from injury. The Bombers will also swing Barnes into the ruck against Allan to fully test his fitness. This would also release Alessio up forward where he will stretch the Carlton defence.

Adam Ramanauskas v Matthew Lappin

This could be one of the match-ups the game. Ramanauskas looks certain to go back to the back half because of the injury to Mark Johnson. He has performed the role well in the past and it will be critical to the outcome of the match that he does the same again. Lappin has been a star for Carlton this season and he is capable of taking kicking a bag of goals. He can lead and mark or play the crumbing role and will be a headache for the Essendon defence. Both Ramanauskas and Lappin are extremely skilled players and this will be a great match-up should it eventuate.

Chris Heffernan v Scott Camporeale

Mark McVeigh got the job on Camporeale last time but Camporeale was still effective. Heffernan might get first crack this time around. Heffernan is slowly finding form after missing a lot of football this season. He has the aerobic capacity to run with Camporeale and his defensive skills are outstanding. Camporeale leads Carlton in terms of handballs received and inside 50s - if his effectiveness can be curbed the Bombers will be well on the way to victory. A key battle.