Essendon will be hungry for victory this week with the return of key players set to beef-up the side for the clash with Sydney.

Big name inclusions in Mark McVeigh and Dustin Fletcher are fit and ready to go following the timely break last weekend, however, the Swans also have a flock of key 'ins' with Nick Malceski, Luke Ablett and Tadhg Kennelly likely to resume from injury.

Despite the inclusion of two seasoned stars, the Bombers will again field a very young team with Darcy Daniher and David Myers holding their spot to play just their second game.

Jay Neagle has been named at centre-half forward in just his third game and young Sam Lonergan returns to the side from injury named on a forward flank.

But there will be no room for excuses for an Essendon line-up whose win-loss ratio stands at 2-5, having lost their last four games.

Sydney is one of the underrated sides of the competition and has played some good footy this season - especially at home - with their position on the ladder not reflecting their competitive performances.

Jason Laycock returns to the Bombers’ rucking department this week after a strong performance for Bendigo last weekend. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can find touch and provide some much-needed support to David Hille who was good early this year.

Both will need to be at their best because winning the ruck and getting first use of the ball is crucial against a seasoned Swans midfield. Their clash with Darren Jolly and Peter Everitt will shape the game.

Essendon has been criticised over its defensive game plan - especially in the midfield - and will need to step up a gear and pressure Sydney who is known for shutting down a team.

Despite being surrounded by an injury cloud during the week, Jobe Watson has been named in the centre with Andrew Lovett and McVeigh. Henry Slattery has been named on the wing, along with Brent Stanton, and will add defensive grunt across the ground.

If Essendon needed McVeigh to provide some of his on-field inspiration, now is the time.
 
The midfielder was in top form before being sidelined with a hamstring injury and he will be keen to step up the Bombers’ efforts around clearances while inspiring his team-mates by putting in a courageous display.

His passion has been sorely missed.

However he will not be the only McVeigh trying to wreak some havoc on his opponents with his brother Jarrad running into form for Sydney.

Despite the absence of Barry Hall, the Swans have plenty of other avenues to goal including two All-Australians in Michael O'Loughlin and Ryan O'Keefe.

The inaccuracy of Sydney's forwards cost the Swans their game against the Bulldogs and they will be desperate to make amends this week.

It is crucial that the Essendon defence comes ready to play and Myers, Daniher and fellow young-gun, Kyle Reimers, will need to compete beyond their tender years and limited experience. The return of Fletcher will help settle young nerves and keep cool heads.

Adam Goodes has been in fine form this season and one of the most intriguing match-up of the game will be who takes the Brownlow medalist. Emerging superstar, Patrick Ryder, could be given the task to test his run-with skills against one of the league's best players.

This match looms as one of the Bombers’ most important clashes of the season and, despite going in as underdogs, Essendon will be desperate for the four points.
 
The Essendon team is:
Backs: Daniher Michael Fletcher
Half-backs: Myers Ryder Reimers
Centres: Stanton Watson Slattery
Half-forwards: Lonergan Neagle Jetta
Forwards: Houli Lloyd Laycock
Rucks: Hille Lovett McVeigh
Bench: Dyson Hislop Johns Monfries Ramanauskas, Welsh, Winderlich