Essendon has recalled ruckman Andrew Phillips for Sunday's Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood.

Phillips, who recently returned from injury, joins Brandon Zerk-Thatcher as inclusions, while last week's activated sub Matt Guelfi moves into senior coach Ben Rutten's starting 22.

Reigning Crichton medallist Jordan Ridley will miss with concussion, while No.10 pick Zach Reid (illness) and Alec Waterman (omitted) also exit the side that lost to Brisbane at the Gabba.

MATCH PREVIEW: MAGPIES v BOMBERS

The Bombers will be hoping for a repeat of last year's 15-point win over Collingwood - their last game at the MCG - where Phillips negated the influence of star ruckman Brodie Grundy in his club debut.

At least nine Essendon players will feature in their first Anzac Day games, with the MCG set to attract up to 85,000 fans, marking the highest sports attendance in the world since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Bombers and Magpies will face off from 3:20pm AEST in the 26th edition of the annual Anzac Day blockbuster. Click here for all the key match info.

ESSENDON'S ANZAC DAY LINE-UP:

Backs: Matt Guelfi, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Aaron Francis
Half-backs: Nick Hind, Dyson Heppell (C), Jayden Laverde
Centre: Archie Perkins, Zach Merrett, Nik Cox
Half-forwards: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Cale Hooker, Kyle Langford
Forwards: Brayden Ham, Jake Stringer, Devon Smith
Followers: Andrew Phillips, Andrew McGrath, Will Snelling
Interchange: Mason Redman, Darcy Parish, Peter Wright, Harrison Jones

Emergencies: David Zaharakis, Ned Cahill, Alec Waterman, Tom Cutler

In: Zerk-Thatcher, Phillips

Out: Ridley (concussion), Reid (illness), Waterman (omitted)

Last week's sub: Guelfi (used)