Essendon will face Collingwood in a traditional Saturday afternoon blockbuster at the MCG.

Coach, John Worsfold, is expecting an intense contest with both teams fighting to remain in the race for finals.

“It’s always going to be fierce and that’s what is great about the game,” Worsfold said.

“It would be great to have a huge crowd to see this clash because it’s a really important clash for both teams.

“They are very similar to us in a lot of ways but their footy over the last month has been pretty solid.

“We are not assessing them as a team that’s a lot lower than us on the ladder and therefore not performing well.

“Ideally it would be fierce two teams in the eight - it’ two teams out of the eight, fighting to stay in the race.

Jeremy Howe has been strong for the Magpies, averaging 21 disposals and nine marks. Hawthorn opted to tag the versatile player in the round 15 match.

Worsfold says the Club is aware of the tactic and will assess all options on how the Dons can limit Howe’s impact on the game.

“Those things (tagging) we are seeing a little bit more through the competition so we will way up whether there is any value in that, in the way that we want to play,” Worsfold said.

Despite the disappointing result against the Lions, Worsfold will stick with a similar side to face the Pies.

“I’m not expecting to make too many (changes)."