ESSENDON coach Matthew Knight believes Carlton will not have a physical edge over his side on Friday night, despite coming off a longer break.

The Bombers had their mid-season break in the first weekend of the split round, while the Blues rested on the weekend just gone.

Knights said the positioning of the breaks for both sides was irrelevant to how they will compete on Friday night.

"We haven't given that any thought at all," Knights said on Tuesday.

"I think there are positives in both areas; to have played last week and also to have had the break.

"I don't see it of any significance. It won't be an element we look at post-game whether we win or lose. I don't think either team will have any excuses come Friday night.

Knights admitted that, while the break had both teams in a healthy state, Carlton's recent strong showing against St Kilda meant the Bombers would need to be at their best in order to be competitive.

"It's another huge challenge for our boys to match their talented midfield," he said.

"The last three or four encounters have ebbed and flowed ... It's sort of been either way two or three goals, and thankfully we've been able to get the chocolates on those occasions.

"It will take a massive effort by us to do the same thing. Carlton's form line through St Kilda is very strong, so we must come with our A-game to get this victory."

He agreed with Carlton coach Brett Ratten about the importance of the match, as both sides have six wins for the season and an opportunity launch a campaign for a top four finish.

"In the context of what this does now, this is huge. It is a massive game," he said.

"That's why there should be 80 or 90,000 there, and that's why it should be a big part of this weekend's football calendar.

"It is a huge game if you're purely basing it on this season. I think both clubs will be really looking forward to it. We are, and I'm sure Ratts' mob will be as well."