The Bombers and the Saints will be looking for a confidence-boosting win when they square off on Sunday.

The Saints are coming off a big loss to the Eagles in the west, while the Bombers outscored the Kangaroos eight goals to two in the second half last Saturday.

Here are some of the key talking points.

How do the match-ups unfold in the Essendon backline?

St Kilda has loaded up in attack this week, recalling Paddy McCartin to bolster an attack also featuring Nick Riewoldt, Tim Membrey and Josh Bruce.

Michael Hartley and Paddy Ambrose are the two leading options for Riewoldt according to Robert Shaw.  The Essendon coaching staff will need multiple options for the Saints skipper, given his ability to move into the midfield.

If Riewoldt starts on the wing, Ambrose could take that match-up.  That would potentially leave James Gwilt on McCartin, Hartley on Bruce and Matt Dea on Membrey.

If Riewoldt is in the forward line, Hartley could take that match-up.  Gwilt may then have to shift to McCartin and either Dea or Ambrose would need to take Bruce.

The Dons also have Mitch Brown who can play in defence, so there are enough options, but getting the combination right will be crucial.

Can the Bombers kick enough goals?

If the Bombers can play like they did in the second half against the Kangaroos, then the answer is certainly yes.

The Dons scored eight goals to two in the second half against the undefeated ladder leaders.

The goals came from multiple sources including crumbing opportunities, which have been few and far between in recent seasons.  The move of Orazio Fantasia to the forward line has given the Dons a presence at the feet of the marking forwards and last week it proved successful.

Joe Daniher and Brown will need to provide the strength in the air, then it’s up to Fantasia and Conor McKenna to go to work.

Robert Shaw also suggested David Zaharakis could be thrown into attack to boost the Bombers scoring power.

Which midfield will get on top?

This shapes as the most important question in the game.

The Dons midfield group boasts a Brownlow medal, a premiership medal and multiple best and fairests.

The Saints rely on a young group led by proven performers Leigh Montagna, David Armitage and Jack Steven.

If the Bombers quell the influence of those three players, they may be able to provide enough service to the forwards to come away with the win.