Pressure and intensity could be what separates the Bulldogs and St.Kilda when two sides cross swords on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium according to Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.

Both sides have shown they can perform at a high level in patches, and Beveridge said he’s planned for the Saints to bring their best.

“I think their coach talks a lot about their pressure and when they get that right they're pretty competitive against anyone, he said at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Friday.

“Week to week you prepare for the opposition's best but generally they won't give you too much time with the ball in your hands when they're on song their pressure, so we'll prepare for that.”

The Saints demonstrated what they’re capable of with round 15’s two point win over Melbourne at the MCG, and again showed glimpses against top four contender GWS last week.  

“We've seen them play some pretty good footy against teams that have showed that they can perform at the highest level, Beveridge said.

“They beat Melbourne in a very high scoring affair at the MCG, and they matched GWS for a fair portion of last week.”

But Beveridge said he’s optimistic the Bulldogs can come away with the points if they can sustain their level of play for the full four quarters.  

“If we can keep our intensity up for longer than a half, then we'll be a chance.”