After a tough encounter against premiership favourites in Sydney last weekend, Essendon have a great opportunity to rebound against Richmond this Friday night.

The Tigers have won their past five and are the in-form team of the competition, while the Bombers suffered their first defeat in three matches to the Swans.

As another huge clash looms between these two sides, another huge set of burning questions present themselves ahead of this match.

Another Howlett high five?

Ben Howlett dominated when these two teams met back in round 11. The midfielder enjoyed a career-high five goals to go with 25 possessions on the night in a man-of-the-match performance.

He has since played a more defensive role in the Dons midfield, averaging just over 12 possessions and almost six tackles a game since. Yet, Friday night presents another perfect opportunity for the goal-kicking midfielder to fly under the radar and bob up with another big bag of goals.

Better Bomber ball-use up forward?

It was evident that the Bombers butchered the ball far too many times against the Swans last weekend which ultimately led to the loss. From 54 entries into the forward 50, Essendon only managed to generate 17 scoring shots.

It’s been documented that the Bombers are among the better ball-users this season around the ground, yet at times fail to carry over the dominance into the forward half. If Essendon are to overcome the Tigers and get back onto the winners list, a number of effective inside 50 entries is a must.

Hurley’s hot streak to continue?

Michael Hurley is enjoying his best season to date after a permanent move down back for the Bombers. And after a season-high 29 disposal game against the Swans last weekend, Hurley is going from strength-to-strength in his new role.

The 24-year-old has revolutionised his defensive position defending and beating his opponent first and foremost, then instantaneously transferring his focus to attack as he generates many of the Bomber drives forward. It will be another big test as he faces the Richmond forwards (Riewoldt, Griffiths), but expect Hurley to relish the challenge.

Stop and start contest?

Richmond look a far more drilled team in recent weeks adopting a hard-edged brand of footy. And it could be a bit of a stop-start, in-and-under game on Friday night as Richmond lead the AFL for stoppages. The Tigers also sit fifth for clearances per game (40.2) this season, highlighting their ability to capitalise on the high number of stoppages they create.

Conversely, Essendon rank ninth and 10^th in clearances and stoppages respectively per game in 2014.

The Bombers will need to prepare for a bruising encounter and able to match it in the contest if they are to come away with the points.

Who does Hocking go to?

The Richmond midfield has a number of damaging players who continue to all be match-winners in their own right. The skipper Trent Cotchin leads the Tiger midfield with Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin and Brandon Ellis, all worthy contenders to cop the tag this Friday night.

Cotchin’s class around the contest and ability to set a scoring chain needs to be closely monitored, while Deledio and Martin provide the Tigers their run and line-breaking possessions that will need to be limited, as well as Ellis’ excellent decision-making and precision ball-use.

Whichever player Hocking goes to, he will need the help of all the Bomber midfielders, as this match is likely to be won and lost in the heat of the midfield.