It’s the second time Essendon and Sydney have meet this season, as the Swans torched the Bombers by 50 points when they played back in round nine at Etihad Stadium.

Both teams are in different positions this time around as the Bombers are the in-form team of the competition winning three straight and six of their last eight, while the Sydney were handed their first loss in 12 games by Hawthorn last weekend.

It’s probably the toughest task in football this season to travel to the SCG and face the Swans, yet it’s a challenge the Bombers without any fear as they attempt to pull off a huge upset.

Can the Bombers limit Buddy?

Lance Franklin enjoyed yet another prolific outing in round nine as he maintained his five-goal average against Essendon throughout his career in a dominant performance during their 50-point win.

The Bomber defence will need to learn from their mistakes put a lot of work into the former Hawk, as he remains the leagues most damaging player when on song.

Limiting Franklin’s influence on the match is no doubt a huge key to a Bomber victory over the ladder leaders come Friday night.

Carlisle delivers second-time round?

The round-nine match against the Swans was right amidst the Carlisle’s early season form slump, as he remarkably wore the substitute vest to begin the match.

He was activated late in the third quarter before kicking two last-quarter goals, showing glimpses of his current form.

Carlisle since has been claimed the league’s best player by some on the back of his 12 goals, 31 marks and 45 disposals in his last two matches, showing no shades of his early-season self.

It will prove a big test for the 22-year-old as he attempts to maintain his current sizzling form and prove a point against a side he had limited opportunities against earlier this year.

Who will get the fast start?

The Bombers have shown this year when they get the jump on their opposition early, they go on to win more games than they lose.

However it was the Swans who got the fast start over the Dons earlier this year, kicking seven goals to one in the first quarter and never looked troubled as they went on to record a 50-point win.

It will be even more important for Essendon to get off to a good start away from home, as they look to silence the crowd early.

All signs point to a fiery first quarter and both teams attempt to get the initial upper hand.

How important will the Bomber bye be?

Sydney faces just a six-day break ahead of this Friday’s match, while the Bombers will be coming off a 12-day break after enjoying the bye last weekend.

The Swans’ bruising encounter against the Hawks last Saturday night will be sure to have an effect on their performance against Essendon Friday night, added to further with just the six days to recover and recuperate.

If the match is to go down to the wire on Friday night, then the extended break will be expected to put the Bombers into the box seat to run over the top of the Swans.

Inside or outside the contest?

Essendon and Sydney lead the AFL in two key stat areas that are set to collide Friday night.

The Swans lead the competition in contested possessions this season (149.6 per game), while the Bombers rank number one for uncontested possessions (252.6 per game) in 2014.

The Dons have been on their bike and creating an option for their teammates this season and find themselves at the top of the uncontested list. The volume of uncontested possessions highlights the gut running put in to provide several options on the outside of the contest.

The Swans, on the other hand, have put the hard yards inside the contest. Josh Kennedy and Kieran Jack lead the inside brigade, winning majority of the contested ball for the Swans.

It sets for a fascinating tactical encounter as the master of the inside ball face the kings of the outside ball for season 2014.