Collingwood are bracing themselves for a "desperate" onslaught from Essendon on Sunday despite injuries stripping the Bombers line-up.

As traditional rivals in games that Magpies coach Mick Malthouse describes as always emotional, Essendon will be anxious to avenge their Anzac Day loss in round five.

Malthouse says that, despite the disparity of form in the two sides, the reigning premiers are likely to have to gear up for a side which is determine to nail down a finals spot.

He believes the Bombers will be spurred on by their recent upstaging of Geelong and will be carried forward by a refined game style as senior coach James Hird continues to eke improvement from his list.

"We know how desperate they're going to be," Malthouse said. "They're just outside the eight.

"They've changed their game style, which is significant, since the first time we played them.

"I think they are three games in front of last year. In the last month they won three out of four and had a wonderful win against Geelong - that's how dangerous they are."

Malthouse has also predicted a strategic battle from the respective coaches as he goes up against Hird and star assistant, Cats premiership coach Mark Thompson.

"They've got plenty of experience in the coaches' box outside their senior coach, who clearly has made inroads with the group.

"I respect all that group there - we've been combatants for some time," Malthouse said.

Ruckman Darren Jolly has overcome a viral complaint and will give the team something extra to think about as he prepares to play his 200th game.

And midfielder Dale Thomas says he is ready to line up after earlier doubts due to a corked thigh.

Jolly confirmed that Thomas, who suffered the injury in the Magpies' win over Gold Coast last Saturday, was set to fire again.

"I asked him and he said he was ready to go, so I think he was just trying to milk the week out as much as he can," Jolly said.

Essendon will go into the match woefully underprepared.

Their backline has been severely weakened and the Bombers have been forced to turn to teenager Jake Carlisle, who has played just five games, to try to stop one of the league's most damaging forwards, Travis Cloke.

Regular defender Michael Hurley has had to sit out the game with a foot injury and joins backmen Dustin Fletcher, Tayte Pears and Cale Hooker on the sidelines.

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