Bombers are looking hotter than ever for the blockbuster battle against the Cats on Friday night, as six powerful players are set to return from injury.

Senior Coach, James Hird, confirmed the return of Essendon’s six key players on the weekend, supplying the Bombers with a greater force when the two undefeated teams come head to head at Etihad stadium.

However, Hird is highly impressed with the performance from his current 22 and he refuses to disclose next week’s team selection.

“I know the certainties available, Michael Hurley (ankle), Jake Carlisle (ankle), Dustin Fletcher (groin), Dyson Heppell (groin), Patrick Ryder (suspension) and Jason Winderlich (rested), so they’re all available whether they all play is (another) matter,” Hird said.

"Our talls seem to be playing very well at the moment.”

"We've got a really good squad, a really fit squad, and we've got guys playing good football. We'll have a challenge to pick a team, and there will be some guys who will miss out and be unlucky, but we'll assess that as the week goes on."

Key midfielder, Brent Stanton, is another hopeful for this week’s clash, after enduring a minor knock to the groin against the Giants on the weekend.

“He’s got a tight groin, he kicked across his body and someone landed on him, they think it’s a knock but he’ll go and have scans in the next 24 hours and we’ll find out,” Hird explained.

“We are very hopeful that he’ll play but if he’s not right we’ll give him a weeks rest.”

Hird believes the Cats hold the benchmark for the competition and he doesn’t want to take any chances. This week’s list will be a challenge for the club and they’ll act scrupulously to make sure the best possible team on the night is selected.

“We’ll pick the best side available that we think can compete against Geelong,” Hird said.

“Geelong are playing better than anyone else in the competition at the moment; their ball movement, their ability to win the ball, use of numbers, find frees and defence has been outstanding.”

“I enjoy watching them play, not necessarily playing against them, but they’re the benchmark in my opinion and we’ve got a game in six days against them, so it’s going to be a great challenge again for us and we really look forward to Friday night out here against the Cats.”