SUMMARY

For the second week running, the Saints started well but let themselves down after half-time. Two weeks ago they weren't hard enough in the contest, and while they fixed that against Carlton on Anzac Day in Wellington, they were sorely hurt by turnovers that cost them 11 goals and their third game for the season. Meanwhile, the decision to play "dry-weather football" on a damp Melbourne day hurt Essendon last week against Collingwood. Tall forwards Joe Daniher and Jake Carlisle didn't have great delivery and failed to make an impact while Paul Chapman was subbed out in the third quarter with a corked knee. It was the second loss from four games.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, May 3, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES

R5, 2014, St Kilda 11.15 (81) d Essendon 9.11 (65) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2013, Essendon 19.14 (128) d St Kilda 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R15, 2012, St Kilda 21.7 (133) d Essendon 8.14 (62) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2011, Essendon 21.10 (136) d St Kilda 12.12 (84) at Etihad Stadium
R18, 2010, Essendon 16.12 (108) d St Kilda 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium

THE SIX POINTS

1. Can the Bombers get things right in the second half? This year, they've kicked 17 goals to 28 in four games after half-time, and are yet to win a final term.

2. St Kilda would love to get its captain back this week. Nick Riewoldt was the difference between the sides last year with five goals in his team's 16-point win at Etihad Stadium.

3. But overall, the Bombers have a clear advantage over the Saints at the Docklands venue. They've staged 11 wins from 18 contests.

4. Getting back Riewoldt would really help the Saints increase their scoring power, with the team currently ranked 12th in the competition. But the Bombers are struggling more in that area and are rated 17th.

5. Tackling is an area Essendon is excelling in. The club is ranked second in the League with an average of 73 per game, while a strong showing against Carlton lifted the Saints' average to 70.

6. Brent Stanton was significant for the Bombers in the last head-to-head between the teams with 29 disposals. He's ranked 150th overall in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, up from the 154th place he started the season at.

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …

Tom Bellchambers. The Essendon ruckman, who had further surgery on his reconstructed ankle in the off-season, has struggled to hit his straps over the last two weeks. He'll need to be better against Billy Longer, who had 51 hit-outs against Carlton last Saturday.

PREDICTION: Essendon by 19 points.