ESSENDON has had six days to recover from a crushing loss to Fremantle in the sweltering heat at Paterson Stadium, and to make matters worse a virus has struck down coach Mark Thompson and several players. The Bombers will be buoyed by the returns of veteran defender Dustin Fletcher, former Cat Paul Chapman, ruckman Patrick Ryder and David Myers. Star midfielder Brendon Goddard was subbed out of the loss with a groin injury, but is "highly doubtful" to play the Saints, according to assistant coach Simon Goodwin. Meanwhile St Kilda has injury concerns of its own with David Armitage (knee) 50-50 to face the Bombers and young midfielder Nathan Wright to miss the next three months with a fractured leg. 

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday April 19, 7.40pm  

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide  

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

R8, 2010, Essendon 14.9 (93) d St Kilda 11.15 (81) at Etihad Stadium

1. In the Bombers' easy win over the Saints in early 2013, they dominated the major stats categories. They won the disposals 411 to 324, they had 124 marks to 77 and were ahead in the inside 50s 59 to 52.

2. Essendon remains the No.1 team in 2014 for disposals, averaging 424.2 per game, while St Kilda is 12th at 349.2 per game.

3. These two sides have met at Etihad Stadium 17 times with Essendon having won 11 of those clashes. 

4. The Bombers are second in 2014 for centre clearances with 61, while St Kilda has struggled and is ranked equal 12th with 49.

5. Essendon is the No.1 team in the League for disposal efficiency at 78 per cent while the Saints are ninth at 70.4 per cent.

6. St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna has been steadily climbing up the ranks this season. He started the year ranked No.34 overall in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade, and is now ranked No.26.

Prediction: Essendon by 19 points.