FORM GUIDE
The form comparisons between these two sides is poles apart.

Essendon are among the early premiership fancies following a blistering start to the season, which saw them undefeated after the first six rounds.

The Bombers were handed their first loss last Friday night against the ladder-leading Cats, but still sit comfortably in second position with a superior percentage than fellow 6-1 side Hawthorn.

The Lions’ Round 7 loss to West Coast saw them drop down to 15th on the ladder with just two wins from seven games.

However, last Saturday’s spirited loss to the Eagles was one of the team’s better performances for the season, and will give them some confidence heading into what many outsiders predict will be a one-sided affair.

The Lions will also be commemorating the anniversary of their hat-trick of premierships by wearing a 3-Peat ‘Hero’ guernsey based on the one worn during that period of remarkable success.

Coincidentally, the Lions’ 2001 premiership triumph was triggered by a stirring win against the seemingly unbeatable Bombers earlier that year, after the team took inspiration from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous phrase “if it bleeds, you can kill it”.

Could history repeat itself on Saturday?

SELECTION TABLE
Brent Staker will make his much-anticipated return after more than 20 months on the sidelines, at the expense of roommate Josh Green.

It means the Lions will now boast another key position option capable of playing at both ends of the ground. And with Essendon’s wealth of tall timber up forward and in defence, Staker’s timing couldn’t have been better.
   
Essendon have welcomed back key players Brent Stanton and Patrick Ryder, along with promising youngsters Jackson Merrett and Elliott Kavanagh.

However, two of their leading goal-kickers this season – Alwyn Davey (hamstring) and Scott Gumbleton (rested) – will be sidelined, while Nathan Lovett-Murray and Kyle Hardingham have been omitted.

KEY MATCH-UPS
Essendon are the competition’s highest scoring side, and it’s no wonder with their incredibly potent – and flexible – forward structure.

Stewart Crameri, Tom Bellchambers and Michael Hurley have kicked 35 goals between them so far this season, and will be trying to stretch the Lions’ defence.

Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull and Justin Clarke look certain to match-up on those three players, but the Bombers’ mosquito fleet will be just as dangerous when the ball hits the ground.

Essendon also lead the league in total disposals, with their skipper Jobe Watson their prime ball-winner. He’s collected 211 disposals in seven matches – the second most in the AFL behind Gary Ablett (218).

You would expect Andrew Raines will get the first job on Watson, particularly considering he’s done terrific jobs on Melbourne’s Nathan Jones and West Coast’s Luke Shuey in his past couple of games.  
 
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ryan Lester has been somewhat of a quiet achiever for the Lions in 2013, averaging over 20 possessions (more than half of which have been contested) in his three matches this season.

Before being subbed off midway through the third quarter against the Eagles last weekend, Lester had 16 disposals and six clearances.

At 191cm, he can also play roles down back or up forward as required.

For Essendon, Dyson Heppell quickly established himself as one of the best young players in the competition – and now he’s verging on elite status after just 50 games.

Heppell carved the Lions up in the corresponding match last year with 34 disposals and will be one of the Bombers’ key weapons come Saturday.

MISSING IN ACTION
The return of Simon Black and Brent Staker over the past couple of weeks means the Lions are nearing full strength, with Matt Maguire (leg) the only experienced senior player missing from Saturday’s team.

The loss of Davey will hurt Essendon, who are already without key defensive play-maker Courtney Dempsey due to a club-imposed suspension.

Otherwise the Bombers head into the match with a relatively clean bill of health.  

RECENT HISTORY
The last five matches between these two sides are split two apiece, with a draw back in Round 19 of 2009.

Essendon, however, have won the past two meetings by an average of 52 points.

Also in favour of the Bombers is the Lions’ poor record at Etihad Stadium.