Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Saturday, August 10, 7.25pm AEST

TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide 

What it means for Essendon: After being thrashed at home by Port Adelaide last week, the Bombers need to respond against the Dogs. A win would all but ensure they return to the finals for the first time since 2017, and in the process rule out a challenger.

What it means for the Western Bulldogs: The Bulldogs are on the cusp of the finals, currently a game outside of the top eight. But if Luke Beveridge's men are any chance to charge into September they need to knock out one of the fellow teams that are battling for seventh or eighth position. The Dogs have won five of their past eight games as they've rattled home after a poor start to the season. 

The stat: The Dogs have had the wood over the Bombers in recent times, winning their past four match-ups. 

The match-up: Dylan Clarke v Marcus Bontempelli or Jack Macrae

Do the Bombers send their tagger to Dogs star Bontempelli or ball-winner Macrae? Bontempelli, who is ranked No.6 in the Official AFL Player Ratings, was best afield last week in his side's loss to Brisbane, but Macrae was also excellent, picking up 45 disposals. It's a tough task for Clarke either way but he has taken down some of the competition's leading midfielders in the second half of the season. 

It's a big week for: Shaun McKernan

The Bombers dearly missed their key forward last week against Port Adelaide after he was a late withdrawal with illness. With McKernan set to return, the Bombers' structure looks far more settled in attack and it means they won't have to move Cale Hooker from the backline.

Big call: Aaron Naughton takes mark of the year in a dominant display in attack, but it isn't enough to get the Dogs over the line.  

Prediction: Essendon by 15 points