Where and when: Metricon Stadium, Sunday July 28, 4.40pm AEST

TV, radio and online: Click here for broadcast guide

What it means for Gold Coast: The Suns took a small step in the right direction with a consistent effort against Carlton. They need to be better again against Essendon or risk losing home supporters and drift towards another off-season.

What it means for Essendon: One of the hottest teams in the competition, the Bombers need to keep their foot down with a strong win. Teams jostling for the top eight can't lose momentum at this time of the year.

The stat: Gold Coast's 13 straight losses have been marred by leaky defensive performances. The Suns have conceded an average of 104 points a game during that stretch – 10 points more than the next worse team in that period, St Kilda.

The match-up: Jarrod Witts v Shaun McKernan/Zac Clarke

With Essendon still missing the injured Tom Bellchambers, the battle between Witts and McKernan and Clarke in the rucks looms large. Gold Coast must take advantage of its co-captain's dominance around the stoppages to help halt the bombers' run.

It’s a big week for: Sean Lemmens

Gold Coast will almost certainly assign the reliable Lemmens the role of shutting down either former Sun Adam Saad or Irishman Connor McKenna from running free off half-back.

Big call: Gold Coast to lead at quarter-time

Prediction: Essendon by 30 points