<p>Saturday twilight footy sees Essendon back under the lid, hosting the Sydney Swans. Two teams with higher ambitions than their current ladder placings suggest, both sitting outside the eight looking in. This shapes up as a crucial matchup.&nbsp;</p> <p>Essendon escaped last Thursday night, largely due to the efforts of their inspirational captain Zach Merrett. He was everywhere and everything his team needed as he single-handedly pulled them over the line against the Roos.</p> <p>The Swans also returned to the winners' list last week, claiming bragging rights over their crosstown rivals in a heated Sydney derby. Credit goes to Dean Cox and his forward-line tactics. Not many would have expected the makeshift forward pairing of Aaron Francis and Joel Hamling to create significant problems for the elite duo of Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley—considered by many experts to be the best in the competition—yet they did just that.</p> <p>Unfortunately, the Bombers are starting to feel the pinch on the injury front. They’ve already lost ruckmen Nick Bryan and Sam Draper for the season and suffered three more injuries against North Melbourne. They will need to replace Jordan Ridley, Jade Gresham, and Harry Jones. On a positive note for the Dons, it seems that star midfielder Jye Caldwell has overcome a hamstring injury and is set to return to the side.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Swans will also need to make a forced change, with defender Lewis Melican suspended after a heated derby against the Giants. While some key players are getting closer, there isn’t much relief on the injury front for the Swans just yet.</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Dons vs Swans prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Sydney Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Essendon Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Andy McGrath, Ben McKay, Jayden Laverde</p> <p>HB: Mason Redman, Zach Reid, Jaxon Prior</p> <p>C: Xavier Duursma, Zach Merrett, Archie Roberts</p> <p>HF: Archie Perkins, Kyle Langford, Nic Martin</p> <p>F: Nate Caddy, Peter Wright, Isaac Kako</p> <p>Foll: Todd Goldstein, Jye Caldwell, Sam Durham</p> <p>Int: Ben Hobbs, Will Setterfield, Elijah Tsatas, Jye Menzie, Dylan Sheil</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Sydney Predicted Team&nbsp;</h3> <p>B: Matt Roberts, Tom McCartin, Nick Blakey</p> <p>HB: Sam Wicks, Joel Hamling, Dane Rampe</p> <p>C: Ollie Florent, Isaac Heeney, Jake Lloyd</p> <p>HF: Braeden Campbell, Will Hayward, Justin McInerney</p> <p>F: Corey Warner, Aaron Francis, Caiden Cleary</p> <p>Foll: Brodie Grundy, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom</p> <p>Int: James Jordon, Riley Bice, Hayden McLean, Angus Sheldrick, Tom Hanily</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Sydney Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>These two sides have played some absolute hum-dingers since the turn of the century.</p> <p>Despite the fun, It’s been the Swans who have had Essendon's number in recent times, dominating the recent head-to-head with four of the past five matches.&nbsp;</p> <p>Marvel Stadium also not a big deal for the Swans, who have won 74% of their games there since 2020.&nbsp;</p> <p>It will be interesting to see how Dean Cox structures up his forward line this week. Will he run with Hamling and Francis again? Against the likes of McKay and Reid, you could probably get away with it… if it aint broke they say?</p> <p>One certain thing is we can expect James Jordon to go straight to Zach Merrett from the opening bounce. It’s a big role for his 100th game, but the Swans will know that if they are to get a look at squaring the ledger this season, a way to doing that is stopping the Bombers source to everything and that is Merrett at the moment.&nbsp;</p> <p>And just how will the Dons manage their injuries? How long do they keep wheeling Todd Goldstein out there for? Will they give teenage key defender Lewis Hayes? He was held out of the VFL last week.&nbsp;</p> <p>Essendon have more wins on the board, but the Swans look like they found something last week. It might have something to do with Chad Warner getting going and back to his best footy. So, we’re going with them because of this, and we just don’t know how the Bmbers will go with all their forced changes.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-sydney-swans-9166589">Sydney</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>The Dons still have weapons. Particularly in their front half. Youngster Isaac Kako has struggled for consistency in the front half but has started to find the goals in recent weeks.</p> <p>Look for him to light up Marvel early and hit the board first for the home side.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-sydney-swans-9166589">Isaac Kako</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>‘The Chad’ was back to his best last week. Bounding through the centre of the SCG, on his way to claiming best on ground honours and the Brett Kirk Medal. With his contract drama behind him, this is the beginning of his run back to being one of the best and most damaging mids in the comp.</p> <p><strong>Betting Tip: </strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/essendon-v-sydney-swans-9166589">Chad Warner</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Essendon vs Sydney Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date: </strong>Saturday, May 10th</p> <p><strong>First Bounce: </strong>4:15 PM, AEST</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch: </strong>Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>