The Parramatta Eels will be looking to avoid a damaging upset loss when they host a visiting Wests Tigers team that is coming off the most impressive performance of any team in round 10. With Parramatta looking to bolster its championship hopes and the Wests Tigers looking to make a huge statement, let’s find out which team is offering the best betting value against their NRL odds in this suddenly, intriguing pairing.
NRL Wests Tigers Vs Eels Round 11
Why Bet On The Eels
Parramatta is sitting in second place in the NRL standings with 16 points, one point behind first place Penrith. The Eels have scored 228 points while allowing a league-low 118 points defensively (+110). Parramatta has gone a perfect 5-0 at home this season and 3-2 on the road. Unfortunately, the Eels had their three-game winning streak snapped in their stunning 22-18 round 9 road loss against the Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday. Brothers, Michael Jennings scored two tries while brother George Jennings and Waqa Blake 54 also added tries in the loss. Clinton Gutherson went 1-for-3 on conversions. The Eels blanked the Sea Eagles in the second half, but they couldn’t overcome their 22-4 halftime deficit. Now, as they get set for round 11, Halfback Mitch Moses is expected to return from a calf injury. Winger Maika Sivo (knee) and lock Nathan Brown (corked hip) will be assessed after training on Tuesday. Ryan Matterson (thumb) and Blake Ferguson (knee) should suit up for this one.
Why Bet On The Tigers
The Tigers are sitting in seventh place in the NRL standings with 10 points. They’ve scored 245 points this season while allowing 177 points defensively (+68). The Tigers have gone 2-3 at home, but a solid 3-2 on the road. The Tigers snapped their two-game skid by blasting the pitiful Brisbane Broncos 48-0 in their round 10 clash on Friday. Luciano Leilua and Luke Garner both scored two tries apiece while David Nofoaluma, Harry Grant, Benji Marshall, Sam McIntyre and Billy Walters all added solo scoring tries as the Tigers put a whopping nine tries on the board. Star halfback Moses Mbye went 6-for-9 on conversions and the Tigers never looked back after hitting the break up 26-0. Now, heading into round 11, lock Alex Twal (knee) and winger Robert Jennings (hamstring) could both be available.
General Match Info Wests Tigers (5-0-5) vs Parramatta Eels (8-0-2)
- When: Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 4:50 AM
- Where: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
- Handicap: Parramatta -3.5
- Money Lines: Tigers +152 / Eels -227
Expert Analysis and Prediction
While Parramatta suffered a stunning upset loss last week and the Tigers picked up a huge win, I’m expecting the Eels to get back in the win column by taking care of business at home in this meeting. Parramatta has won three straight in this rivalry and four of the last five meetings overall. More importantly, the Eels recorded an emphatic 30-18 road win the last time these two met a year ago in July while recording a jaw-dropping 51-6 blowout win at home in last season’s home matchup in April. I know the Tigers have actually scored 17 more points than the Eels coming into this meeting, but Parramatta is by far, the better defensive team, having given up a league-best 118 points and 59 fewer points than the Wests Tigers. Now, in second place behind Penrith, Parramatta knows they can’t afford another loss to an inferior team and that’s why the Eels will win and win going away!
Pick: Eels 30 Tigers 20
Telstra Premiership 2020 Round 11 Matches
- Sea Eagles vs Cowboys – Friday 24th July, 04:00 AM | Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
- Storm vs Broncos – Friday 24th July, 05:55 AM | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
- Roosters vs Warriors – Friday 24th July, 01:00 AM | Central Coast Stadium, Central Coast
- Dragons vs Sharks – Saturday 25th July, 03:30 AM | Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Sydney
- Rabbitohs vs Raiders – Saturday 25th July, 05:35 AM | GIO Stadium, Canberra
- Bulldogs vs Knights – Saturday 25th July, 02:05 AM | McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- Panthers vs Titans – Sunday 26th July, 04:30 AM | Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
