WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 15 May, 2.10pm
HEAD TO HEAD: Western Bulldogs 68 wins, Richmond 75 wins, two draws
LAST TIME: Richmond 7.6 (48) def by Western Bulldogs 17.18 (120), round 2, 2010 at the MCG
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds 
A full replay will be available on afl.com.au 12 hours after the completion of the match
FORM: Western Bulldogs: WWLLL Richmond: LLWWW

SUMMARY
These teams are headed in opposite directions with the Tigers riding high with the confidence gained from a three-game winning streak while the Dogs are desperately searching for answers as they seek to end a three-game losing slide.

Richmond beat highly-credentialed Fremantle at its last start while the Bulldogs went down to the Sydney Swans.

The Dogs will be without key defenders Brian Lake and Tom Williams with Lake to continue his quest for form and fitness in the VFL and Williams out with an ankle injury. Forwards Shaun Higgins (groin) and Barry Hall (ankle) will also be absent through injury.

The Tigers have no such concerns and any changes Damien Hardwick chooses to make will be unforced. 

The Bulldogs have some work to do if they're to live up to their pre-season billing as top-four material. The club goes into this match in eleventh position on the ladder while Richmond is knocking on the door of the top eight in ninth.

QUESTION MARKS
Can the Tigers reverse the trend of recent seasons? They've managed just one draw from their past eight encounters with the Dogs.

Can the Dogs overcome their form and fitness to scratch out a win? They're down on confidence because of those two factors, but four premiership points would do them the world of good and Rodney Eade won't be too fussed how he gets them.

PREDICTION
Richmond by 10 points
 
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
Jack Riewoldt ($296,700) is still $50,800 down on the price he started the season at and the Tiger full-forward is a good chance to kick a bag against as side that will be missing its two best key defenders.

It's not too late to jump on the Mitch Wallis express. The young Bulldog's price only went up by $16,100 after his third game so at $108,600 he's still a bargain for a player with obvious talent who is going to play a lot.


Follow the game live in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au and join the conversation on Twitter using #afldogstigers

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL