Essendon are back on the Friday night stage in round 20 action as they face Richmond at the MCG.

The Bombers suffered their first defeat in four matches last weekend, ending their three-game winning streak, while the Tigers are the in-form team in the competition extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.

As the Bombers try and tame the Tigers on this weekend, we take a look at the match ups that will have a major influence in the outcome of the result.

Jake Carlisle vs. Alex Rance

After a quieter week against the Swans last week, Jake Carlisle will be looking to bounce back against the Tigers on Friday night. ‘Buckets’ has shown the level he is capable of reaching and needs to find the consistency to become a regular contributor in the Bomber forward line.

Alex Rance looks to be a likely match up for the Bomber forward. Rance has been in good form during the Tigers run of five straight wins, including last weekend where he took a monster 12 marks against the Giants along with 22 disposals.

Carlisle will be trying to get his hands on the ball and clunk a mark or two early to set himself up for a big game, as well as heightening Rance’s accountability to limit the run and rebound from the defender.

Heath Hocking vs. Brett Deledio

The Bomber tagger will have his hands full this weekend as he is tipped to run with the ever-damaging Brett Deledio. The Tigers’ former number one draft pick has had a season that has mirrored his sides. During Richmond’s run of five wins straight, Deledio has been in great touch, averaging 28 disposals and booting four goals.

Hocking initially ran with Nick Malceski last weekend, before moving over the Josh Kennedy after he got off the chain throughout the midfield. Hocking looks likely to go straight to the ever-dangerous Deledio and limit his impact from the get go.

Cale Hooker vs. Jack Riewoldt

Hooker again did a number on Swans’ big man Kurt Tippet last weekend and kept his unbelievable form this season going. The in form defender remains a pillar down back for the Dons. Expect Hooker to again have the big job on the Tigers’ number one forward Jack Riewoldt.

Riewoldt, despite struggling at times throughout the season, has still booted 46 goals, including his massive bag 11-goal against the Giants back in round 10. He presents a huge danger for the Bombers, as he can explode with his unbelievable marking prowess and smarts in the forward line. Hooker will be sent to the Tigers’ key forward in a huge match up in the outcome of the result on Friday.

Paddy Ryder vs. Ivan Maric

The Bomber ruckman has put his hat into the ring for the All-Australian ruckman spot after a sensational month of football. Ryder continued to get the job done in the middle as he puts the ball down the throats of the Bomber midfielders, as well as pushing forward and being a real weapon in attack this season, averaging almost a goal a game.

After a slow start to the season, Maric has not had the impact he would have liked for the Tigers in the ruck. Ironically, the Richmond ruckman played his first game for the season back in round 11 when these two teams last met. Yet, Maric is a proven performer and a beast in the ruck who will pose a big challenge for Ryder to keep his All-Australian form rolling along.

Mark Baguley vs. Shane Edwards

Although these two players don’t have the highest of profiles, this match up will definitely be one worth the price of an admission ticket. The defensive tackling-machine for the Bombers down back will be relentless in his attempt to shut down the dangerous small forward in Edwards.

After gathering 21 disposals and a goal last weekend in the Tigers’ win, Edwards continues to prove himself as somewhat of a barometer in their side as his breath-taking skills and speed inspire his teammates. Baguley and the Bombers will be well aware of this and expect the small defender to clamp down hard on Edwards.