Jerim Hayes, Kade Brown, Brad Smith and Kallen Griffiths are all set to miss for various reasons, but the star batsman was confident their replacements have what it takes to tackle the ladder leaders.

“Our bowling has been pretty handy, all things considered,” Popko said.

“The depth has certainly been there.

“At the end of the day, it means we’re getting games into our younger players and that can only be a good thing.” 

With Belvoir scoring convincing wins in their opening two encounters, Popko said his side needed to impose themselves early on to be any chance of winning.

“We need to bat with a bit of intent,” he said.

“The one-day format gives us a little bit more of an ability to do that.

“The’ve got plenty of firepower with Drew Cameron and Josh Warren-Marmo on deck.

“We can’t afford to be labouring with a low total.” 

The good news for Albury is that Belvoir will be missing two of their key players as well.

Bowler Matt Jaensch and wicketkeeper Nat Sariman are both unavailable, though Jaensch is expected to suit up for the Border Bullets in the Regional Bash on Sunday.

After starting the season with one win and one loss, Popko said Albury needed to find their feet sooner rather than later.

“We've had a few interruptions early on,” he said.

“It actually doesn't feel like we've had that much time at the crease yet.

“Footy season seemed to bleed straight into cricket season, and we only had the one practice match before getting underway.

“We copped a bit of a hiding from Wodonga in round one, but we improved a bit against East Albury.

“We need to learn how to win on a more regular basis.

“Hopefully the weather will hold off and we'll be able to enjoy a bit more time out in the middle.”

Popko backed the incoming Paddy Murray and paceman Keegan Jenkins to fill some big shoes.

“Keegan has been covering well for us since round one,” Popko said.

“Paddy bowled pretty well in the twos last week, so we'll bring him in with a job to do.” 

In other matches, East Albury come up against Lavington, while the Wodonga Raiders tackle Tallangatta.

North Albury host New City, while St Pats will face Wodonga.