Essendon are back at the home of footy for a blockbuster against the club’s biggest rival in Collingwood on Sunday afternoon.

The boys will be desperate to consolidate last weekend’s captivating win over Port Adelaide, as they continue to push their claim for a finals berth.

This week’s burning questions will be answered on Sunday with just one game separating the two teams on the ladder.

Who steps up as captain (again)?

For the second time this year the Bombers will need to find another captain after Brendon Goddard, who has stood in during Jobe Watson’s absence through injury, accepted a one-match ban from the MRP.

Dyson Heppell and David Zaharkis have been outstanding along with Goddard since Watson went down four weeks ago and would be among the leading candidates.

While Heath Hocking, David Myers, Jason Winderlich and Brent Stanton are other names to keep an eye out for when it’s announced ahead of the big clash.

Can the Bombers stop Swan?

Albeit coming off a quiet couple of weeks, I’m sure every Essendon supporter remembers back to ANZAC Day this year when Dane Swan ran rings around the Essendon side, doing as he pleased.

Swan had a day to remember (or forget!) with 26 disposals and four goals dominating in the midfield and up forward, proving a match winner for the Pies.

Will Essendon’s resident tagger Heath Hocking latch onto Swan or will Essendon choose to limit the influence of several other key Collingwood midfielders including Pendlebury, Beams or Sidebottom?

Another fast start?

A problem in the last month for the Bombers has been their slow starts, which was particularly costly in the loss to Geelong a fortnight ago.

Yet during the round-six match between these teams, Essendon got off to a sensational start kicking five unanswered goals in the first quarter, pulling away to a 37-point lead early in the second quarter.

However the Magpies pulled off a 60-point turnaround, eventually running out winners by 23 points.

If Essendon can get off to another fast start against Pies and maintain the pressure and intensity around the ball demonstrated over the last month, they will make it increasingly difficult for Collingwood to again mount a come-from-behind victory.

Two sides, two different directions?

Collingwood endured a disappointing loss to Gold Coast last week, a game they arguably could have and should have won. They have now lost three out of the last four matches and look the most vulnerable side within the top eight to drop out.

On the other hand Essendon are building. They beat arguably the best team in the competition last weekend on their home ground and have now won two out of the last three to be within one win of the top eight.

The result of this match could be very important in determining which way these teams go throughout the last period of the home and away season.

Do the Bombers win and continue to mount pressure on the Pies for their spot in the finals race or do Collingwood scrap a win and keep the distance from those outside the eight.

More changes?

Essendon face more changes to the team, with obviously Brendon Goddard missing due to suspension, plus a number of players chomping at the bit for a chance in the senior side.

Dustin Fletcher (Omitted) and Michael Hibberd (Ankle) will no doubt push their claim during the main training session on Thursday.

While Jason Ashby, who was among the best in the Bombers VFL win over Box Hill last weekend, will be getting under the coaches nose’s during the week in hope of some AFL action.

Tom Bellchambers and Tayte Pears who are notable absences from the senior side also performed well in the VFL victory.

With no notable injuries on the weekend, there will be a few big decision to be made come selection Thursday evening.