Stanton injured his ankle in last week's win over Port Adelaide but played out the game before having scans on the injury this week, which cleared him of injury.
Bombers coach James Hird said the 27-year-old midfielder would "almost certainly" play on Sunday against the Bulldogs.
"He'll run around today, and we'll get to see him today. I'm pretty sure he'll play," Hird said on Friday.
Stanton is considered a strong candidate to be Essendon's captain in lieu of injured skipper Jobe Watson, who is expected to miss at least a month with a broken collarbone.
New Bomber Brendon Goddard and midfielder David Zaharakis are among the other potential captains, with Hird and the club to decide on Friday.
"It's not a decision we're making on a whim. It is something we'll put some time into. We'll also let the players and leadership group have a fair bit of say into that as well," Hird said.
"Being the captain of the Essendon Football Club, even if it's for one, two or three games, is a very big privilege and the players should get some sort of say on it."
If the Bombers beat the Bulldogs on Sunday they will notch their 12th win of the year, the first time since 2004 the club has reached that total in a home and away season.
But after suffering a surprise loss to the Brisbane Lions earlier in the year and also playing poorly against Greater Western Sydney in round six, Hird said the club knew the importance of the next fortnight, which includes a return game against the Giants at Skoda Stadium in round 17.
"There shouldn't be any flat spots," Hird said.
"There's plenty of motivation to beat the Western Bulldogs. We have to play well and guard against their strengths and use ours.
"Hopefully there's not a flat spot and certainly if there is, we're in trouble."
Jake Carlisle played last week after a back spasm before the game but is fine to face the Bulldogs, while forward Stewart Crameri (ankle) trained with the group on Friday and should return next week.
"We thought only one session wasn't enough [to be picked for this week]," Hird said.
"He'll train today in preparation for next week."
Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey
