Essendon returns to the home of football, the MCG, to Melbourne on Sunday afternoon. We take a look at just some of the burning questions surrounding the round 13 match-up.

How will the Bombers fare without Watson?

It will be the first match of several that the team faces without their skipper, Jobe Watson. After tearing his rectus femoris tendon, Watson underwent successful surgery on Tuesday and looks sent for a lengthy stint on the sidelines. The challenge for the leadership group to step up has been set by coach Bomber Thompson, singling out Dyson Heppell in his fourth year who the coach has called upon to lift his voice around the ground. It is an unfortunate injury to the captain, however it presents an opportunity for others to have an influence.

Daniher doing it again?

Three goals and nine marks was an outstanding performance against the Giants on the weekend and was enough for Joe Daniher to win the round 12 Rising Star nomination. The talented youngster has begun to string solid games together, bobbing up in front of goal and becoming a massive marking target in the forward half, as he looks to be handling the increased training load. After speaking to Bomber TV following the GWS win, you could tell he was excited to return to the MCG. Expect a fired up Daniher on Sunday afternoon.

Who wins the battle of the mids?

Melbourne’s improved season has evolved from their recruiting in the off-season, and forming a solid core group of midfielders. Nathan Jones headlines the strong unit including Bernie Vince abd Daniel Cross along with young-guns Jack Viney and Dom Tyson. Most games are won and lost in the middle, so it once again will be a crucial contest with the likes of Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell, David Zaharakis, Brent Stanton and David Myers all needing to have big games for the Bombers.

Heating up across Half-back?

Essendon and Melbourne are similar in most of their attack is generated from the half back line. For Melbourne, Jeremy Howe’s move to defence has seen him become arguably Melbourne’s most important player, with the high-flying, skilful half-back having his best season to date. He continues to be a crucial player for Melbourne in beginning the chain of attack from defence. While at the other end of the ground, Essendon’s Michael Hibberd plays a similar role. He possesses the invaluable skill of reading the flight of the ball exceptionally well and combines this with his thumping left-foot kick that penetrates the Bombers out of defence. Both will play big roles in determining the outcome of the match come Sunday night.

Winning ugly back-to-back?

While the Bombers came away with a win against GWS last weekend, it wasn’t the best performance with Bomber Thompson admitting earlier this week that they ‘won ugly’. Their opponents this weekend, Melbourne begun to make a habit of grinding teams down in a defensive slog-fest, as introduced by their new coach Paul Roo. If Melbourne are to bring their pressure and discipline around the ball, the Bomber side will again have a tricky task on their hands as they attempt to overcome the much improved Demons.

Have your say on the above questions in the comments section below.