The Bombers face the West Coast Eagles this weekend in what shapes as a do-or-die clash for the Dons to keep their finals chances alive.

The Eagles are in good form after winning their last two matches, including a 60-point smashing of Collingwood last weekend and suddenly have become a sneaky chance to make the top eight at seasons end.

It sets for an enthralling match up between these two sides with several burning questions to be answered by the final siren.

How Jobe perform on return?

Coach Mark Thompson announced after the game that skipper Jobe Watson is likely to make his return to the team after injuring his hip flexor against the Giants back in round 12.

Watson underwent surgery following the injury and has now completed an extensive and vigorous rehabilitation program with flying colours, to see the Brownlow medallist fighting fit once again.

All eyes now point towards Saturday’s match and how Watson will play on return. The out-and-out champion is sure to make a considerable contribution come Saturday and prove he is fighting fit as he builds up some form ahead of a possible finals campaign.

Will the Bomber forward line fire again?

It’s a crucial match for the Bomber forward line to prove they can kick a winning score after yet again another disappointing forward-50 conversion rate against Richmond last weekend.

The Bombers only managed to score 38.6% in all of their forward 50 entries, in a display that coach Mark Thompson described as ‘missing absolute sodas’ after the match.

Big-man Jake Carlisle will be looking to recapture some his is past form up forward for the Bombers, while fellow tall Joe Daniher will want to make a statement after his performance in his first game back from a cracked shoulder.

The Bomber attack could be bolstered to further with the addition of young-gun Patrick Ambrose if he can prove himself fit after a cracked jaw.

Can the Bombers stop the Eagles dominance in the ruck?

The experience of veteran Dean Cox and the brilliance of Nick Naitanui has the Eagle ruck duo one of the more damaging ones in the league. They currently lead the competition in hitouts, averaging almost 50 per game, highlighting their dominance in the ruck.

Paddy Ryder is set to tackle the Eagles as the lone recognised ruckman from the Bombers, as he has done most the season, and will rely on a chop out from tall forwards Jake Carlisle and Joe Daniher to spread the load. There is the option for Tom Bellchambers to be recalled after a strong performance in the VFL.

It looms as a key facet to limit the Eagles in this weekend, and will be a major influence towards the Bombers securing the four points.

Which midfield wins out?

The Eagles had six players over 30 disposals in their massive win over Collingwood last weekend, including a monster 42 possessions from Matt Priddis.

Led by Priddis, Andrew Gaff, Chris Masten, and Luke Shuey shape the Eagles’ dynamic midfield and will be a massive challenge for the Bombers.

Assisted with the likely addition of skipper Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard, David Zaharakis and David Myers will all need to make a significant contribution throughout the middle of the ground to ensure Essendon get their hands on the ball first and give the forwards the best chance to kick a winning score.

Is this an August elimination final?

With just one game separating teams seventh through to twelfth on the AFL ladder, Essendon (8^th) versus West Coast (11^th) is set to be a mini elimination final.

Six teams are fighting for two of the reaming finals spots, with this clash is set to have a major influence on how the ladder shapes at the end of the season.

Essendon have lost their last two matches and need to find some winning form if they are to maintain their position in the eight, while West Coast have won three of their last four matches and are building as an ominous threat for a finals spot.