Barring a draw, the winner will receive a much-needed confidence boost, while the other is staring at the wooden spoon.

"I don't think it places any more pressure on us this week, playing North Albury as opposed to some of the other games," Bulldogs' coach Zac Fulford said.

The Bulldogs have been belted by injuries, with last year's leading goalkicker Nick Beattie out with a foot problem, while third in the best and fairest Jacob Barber will miss up to six weeks with a broken hand.

"We're not at a point where we can field our strongest group and haven't for a couple of weeks, but I still feel we should have been at a better level," Fulford said.

"So the challenge for us, regardless of personnel, is to play a better brand of footy which gives us a chance to win (at home)."

A week ago, North Albury would have been rank outsiders, but the Bulldogs' injury toll has steeled the visitors.