2012 AFL Round 21 preview – Essendon Bombers vs Carlton Blues

MCG, Saturday 18th August.

It’ll be standing room only at the ‘G’ on Saturday afternoon as Essendon take on Carlton in game that will have very much a semi-final feel to it.Essendon sit are holding onto their position in the eight by percentages only. Carlton are win one behind on 40 competition pointsWith only two rounds remain after this weekend so needless to say, it is a must win game for both sides.Carlton have got the job done in recent weeks winning three of their past four – their loss was to competition front-runners Sydney – without being brilliant.It wasn’t until the third quarter last week against the Lions that the Blues were able to put the game to rest. They will need to start better this week and will welcome the return of champion Chris Judd after a two suspension.The draw hasn’t been kind to the Bombers and in consecutive weeks they’ve met and lost to Geelong (by 67), Hawthorn (94), Adelaide (4) and last week, North Melbourne (24). The Bombers have been gallant in defeat the last two weeks and will welcome back Zaharakis, Stanton and Ryder. This has the makings of a blockbuster as the market suggests.

 SPORTSBET HEAD TO HEAD – ESSENDON $2.15, CARLTON $1.73

Last time the two sides met it was the Bombers by 30 points when the Bombers had started the season all guns blazing. The momentum has swung in Carlton’s favour and what should be a close encounter, the Blues 1-39 @ $2.40 looks the goods.

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