Essendon thinks it must win its three remaining games to play finals, and will boast an almost full-strength line-up against Carlton as it strives to keep its top-eight hopes alive.

The Bombers have lost their past four games and five of their last six to be clinging to eighth position by percentage. After the Blues at the MCG on Saturday, they play Richmond and Collingwood in the last two rounds of the season.

But, after a debilitating run of injuries in the second-half of the year, things are starting to turn.

Last week the Bombers welcomed back Stewart Crameri, Dustin Fletcher and Angus Monfries from injury, and this week Brent Stanton, Paddy Ryder and David Zaharakis have returned.

So, too, might have the club's confidence.

""On paper it's a very strong team, the strongest team almost we can field bar one or two [players],"" Hird said on Friday.

""We just feel like we're getting back on par with most other clubs having one or two injuries, rather than 10 injuries, and I think that gives you a good chance in big games like tomorrow.""

Last time the rivals met, in round four, the Bombers bullied the Blues around the ball and won convincingly.

A tackle from Sam Lonergan led to Carlton midfielder Andrew Carrazzo fracturing his shoulder blade, and Marc Murphy said he would remember the tackle when the clubs met next.

Hird wasn't sure whether he expected any physical retribution directed at Lonergan, but was confident the 25-year-old could handle it.

""That's up to them whether they want to put the fireworks on the table. We want to go out and play the game and play some really good football,"" Hird said.

""We think we've got some good hard footballers, and if they want to take on Sam Lonergan, then good luck to them. He's as tough as there is on the football field and he can certainly look after himself.

""If that's what they're after, then good luck.""

Despite the tactical success in round four, Hird conceded Essendon needed to try some new things this time against the Blues.

He also said it would be a good chance to test the group's ability to perform under pressure.

""Until you get put in a position where there is pressure and expectation, it's very hard to learn to deal with it,"" Hird said. 

""And this group is a young group, a developing group that's played two finals in four or five years so there hasn't been a lot of expectation or pressure. But there is now and we'll see how they deal with it tomorrow.""