WATCH highlights from last time we met Essendon above on PTV.

WITH both teams coming off disappointing losses, expect this to be a heated affair.

The Bombers have more to lose given their top-four aspirations, but the Power desperately need to find something before the end of the season to give their supporters and players some genuine hope.

What do you think the keys to victory are? Have your say at the bottom of the article

THE FOUR POINTS
PORT ADELAIDE
1. After Travis Boak returned to the side last weekend, the Power's midfield will receive another boost this week with captain Dom Cassisi likely to play. Cassisi hasn't played since round 12 and the young team has really missed his leadership and ability around the packs. Cassisi can't win a game off his own boot, but he wins the ball and allows players such as Brad Ebert, Boak and Matthew Broadbent to step up.

[ Related: Pick the 22 you think should face the Bombers ]

2. Injuries to several key Essendon players could force Paddy Ryder forward, which should help even up the battle of the ruckmen. Matthew Lobbe was outclassed by Adelaide's Sam Jacobs last weekend and the Power certainly need a bigger effort from their talls against the Dons. If Port are to win, it cannot be dominated in the ruck, and their midfielders need to see more of the ball at stoppages.

3. There were two areas that midfielder Matthew Broadbent said the team had to fix before this game: contested possession and skill errors. Port's skills were woeful against the Crows and simply didn't give themselves a chance by turning the ball over as much as they did. Cassisi's return will help with winning contested possession, but others have to be more precise with the football.

4. It will be interesting to see how the Power set their forward line up on Saturday. Paul Stewart was the only forward who performed with any conviction against the Crows, booting four goals, but Justin Westhoff, Brett Ebert, Chad Wingard and John Butcher needed to have more scoreboard impact. Jackson Trengove admitted Butcher was still battling hip and groin issues, which could help explain his lack of confidence on the field. Can they lift to kick a winning score?

[ Related: Injury update ]

ESSENDON
1. Can Essendon break the hoodoo? AAMI Stadium hasn't been a very happy hunting ground for the Bombers, especially against Port Adelaide. The last time the Bombers beat the Power at the venue was way back in 2000, when Matthew Lloyd kicked four goals and Adam Ramanauskas was best on ground with 24 disposals. The Bombers have improved their interstate record under coach James Hird, winning all three road trips so far this year.

2. All of a sudden, Essendon's potent forward line is decimated. Stewart Crameri is out for another week with suspension, while Michael Hurley's unlucky run with injury continues with another hamstring strain. So Hird and co. need to do some restructuring, and that might mean the return of Scott Gumbleton. The 23-year-old showed some good signs in the VFL on the weekend, but the Bombers could also bring back ruckman Tom Bellchambers and use Paddy Ryder as a permanent forward.

3. The Bombers appeared to lack run against the Saints, but have options in the VFL who could offer some drive through the midfield. Alex Browne has put together more than a month of solid football after returning from a long-term hamstring injury, while Elliott Kavanagh is moving closer and closer to his AFL debut after a couple of standout VFL performances. The 19-year-old has speed, wins his own disposals and can make an impact close to goal.

4. Like a lot of things, the substitute didn't work too well for the Bombers last week. They started Ricky Dyson in the green vest, but then he replaced Hurley who was injured in the third quarter. It was an interesting call to make Dyson the sub, when Nathan Lovett-Murray had made such an impact coming onto the ground in recent weeks. If the club wants to play Lovett-Murray for more minutes next week, someone like Travis Colyer could be included to play as the sub against Port.