Why the Blues "need to win" against Essendon

Former North Melbourne premiership player David King says Carlton “need to win” against Essendon on Sunday.

The Bombers will be going into this game without a host of key players, while the Blues face a 1-10 start to the season if they lose.

King believes the Bombers are well and truly underdogs heading into the MCG clash.

“The course is set now isn’t it, with Brad Scott moving on,” he told SEN’s Whateley.

“With Brad exiting North Melbourne, the wheels are in motion and pressure is building everywhere.

“If Carlton don’t beat Essendon this week without (Orazio) Fantasia, (Joe) Daniher, (Dylan) Shiel, (Devon) Smith and (Jake) Stringer, then there’s big trouble.

“It’s basically the Essendon reserves.

“At one and nine against the Essendon reserves, it’s a game you’ve just got to win.”

King also alluded to the pressure that both coaches will be facing heading into the clash.

“I understand the feedback’s strong with John (Worsfold) but gee, he’s going to a gunfight with a knife really,” he said.

“I mean that’s the best half a dozen players.

“Brendon’s (Bolton) coming in off the back of this bottomed out rebuild.

“When is it going to start to rise? If you’re looking for it to rise, there’s no better time than now. They need to win.”

Essendon hosts Carlton on Sunday at 3.20pm at the MCG.