Again some interesting games this week and instead of getting easier at the tail end of the season to pick winners it is getting downright harder.

Good luck.

VENUE & TIME :
MCG, 2.10 pm AEST, Saturday 18 August

HEAD TO HEAD :
Carlton 116, Essendon - 104, Draws - 4

LAST TIME :
Carlton 18.17 (125) def Essendon 17.20 (122),
Round 3, 2007 at the MCG

Team Changes

Essendon :
IN - Camporeale, Hird, Hocking, Mark Johnson.
OUT - Dyson, Hille, Peverill, Watson.

Carlton :
IN - Lappin, Whitnall.
OUT - Grigg, Thornton.

Preview :

Essendon’s season is teetering on being over, but there still exists a glimmer of hope if it can win its last three games.

Dustin Fletcher picked up a team-high 26 disposals against Fremantle last Sunday to be the Bombers' best on an otherwise disappointing day.

The Blues have lifted enormously under caretaker coach Brett Ratten, going down narrowly to St Kilda, Collingwood and Port Adelaide over the past three weeks after being in contention late in each contest.

Brad Fisher has enjoyed a fine season for the Blues, but last Saturday's 19-possession, 13-mark, three-goal effort against Port was probably his best individual performance for 2007.

Verdict :

The Bombers were uncompetitive and weak in the second half against Fremantle, but face a Carlton side which is just three more losses away from a priority draft pick at season's end.

The Blues didn't look like they were tanking once they'd given Port Adelaide a sizeable early lead last weekend, but again had to be content with another brave loss.

Essendon does still remain in contention for the finals but have to win every match. They should be able to chalk up one of the three victories they need here, even without James Hird, who has been named in the squad but remains doubtful after re-injuring a calf muscle.

The Pick :

Essendon by six points

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Essenden to win @ 1.55
Carlton +13.5 @ 1.75
Essenden under 39.5 @ 2.25