The game as it stands 

Two sides in the competition's top eight will face off on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.

With the Bulldogs sitting seventh and the Blues at eight, the two teams - who are similarly ranked in almost every area - will battle it out under the roof. 

Matt Cottrell coming into the side will add some much needed speed in multiple positions for the Blues, while the return of Matt Owies adds another layer to the forward-line pressure. 

The Bulldogs excel in their clearance work, ranking third in the league for total clearances per game, whilst also ranking fifth for least opponent clearances per game. With Marcus Bontempelli (8.9 clearances per game) leading the charge, the contest will be a crucial starting point for the Blues.

The elevation of Matt Kennedy into the starting lineup - after two weeks as sub - will add another layer of strength to the Blues' on-ball brigade.

Key match up 

Marc Pittonet will have his work cut out for him as he comes up against opponent Tim English. 

English is ranked sixth for hitouts per game, but it's been his work around the ground and ability to push forward - averaging just shy of 20 disposals and a goal a game - which sees him as one of the competition's in-form ruckman.

Pittonet has been a valuable asset to the Blues' midfield, with his status as sole ruckman seeing the Blues post three consecutive +20 contested possession differentials in as many weeks.

Player to watch 

Carlton fans will be pleased to see Matt Cottrell return to the fold, with the speedster having sat out the first eight games due to a stress fracture in his foot.

Making his way back through the VFL, Cottrell's strengths were on display, including a solo effort on his return where he provided a smother across half back and got on the end of a running goal from 50 in the same play.

His speed and willingness to compete was on display in a career-best year last season: he'll look to play a role in assisting the Blues’ ball movement in transition. 

Goss from Voss

Michael Voss is hoping the feedback received in the past few weeks has been attended to as the Blues look for their fifth win of the season against the Dogs.

"With a longer week, we’ve been able to put a couple of training sessions in place. We hope to see a change in that: it’s not one of those things where you walk away and say ‘it’s all fixed’, but we’re playing against some good teams and we need to be able to work through that."

Things we love to see 

A home game for our mums. 

With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday, there’s no doubt the Bluebagger mums will be out in force on Saturday night. 

In what is sure to be a family affair, having Carlton fans together on a Saturday night is always a special occasion.