We take a look at the burning questions ahead of Saturday night’s clash against North Melbourne at the MCG.

With plenty on the line for both sides we take a look at some of the key issues surrounding the contest.

How will Essendon’s forward line structure up?

With the club’s leading goal kicker Jake Carlisle rule out with a hamstring injury the questions surrounds how the Bombers will find enough goals to get over the line. The return to form of Tom Bellchambers last week allows Patrick Ryder to move forward where he poses an imposing target. Joe Daniher, Patrick Ambrose Ryder and Bellchambers are likely to make up the key targets with Chapman, Merrett and Winderlich to provide a further avenue to goal.

How many changes will North Melboune make ahead of the clash?

North Melbourne rested a number of players ahead of their Round 23 clash against Melbourne and could now make up to six changes for Saturday night’s elimination final. Luke McDoanld, Michael Firrito, Lindasy Thomas, Todd Goldstein and Levi Greenwood are all in line to return to their line up. Who goes out and who comes in is a question that will be answered when the teams are announced on Thursday night.

Will Essendon’s finals experience rise to the occasion?

The Bombers have some experienced finals campaigners in their line up including Paul Chapman, Brendon Goddard and coach Mark Thompson. Thompson has plenty of experience leading sides in September action and will play an important role in making sure his side it primed for the occasion. This will be Chapman’s eighth consecutive finals campaign after playing in the last seven for Geelong including three premierships. Goddard has also made it to the biggest stage playing in three Grand Finals.

Who progresses out of the former Saints teammates?

Former housemates Brendon Goddard and Nick Dal Santo line up against each other for rival clubs for the first time in finals. Both have plenty of experience on the September stage and now find themselves facing off in new colours. The pair are likely to cross paths a number of times on Saturday night with nothing to be left in the sheds once they cross the white line.