Eels v Storm preview

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Parramatta will look to keep their slim playoff chances alive with a tricky home game against Melbourne on Monday night.

After last week's heartbreaking defeat to South Sydney and confirmation of Kieran Foran to return there is hope for the Blue and Gold.

They won't have it all their own way though as they face a Melbourne side that has hit the ground running this season and look to be genuine premiership contenders. Cameron Smith is playing at a level that many didn't think were possible and Cooper Cronk is performing brilliantly like always.

This will be an intriguing game and will hopefully be a close match that rewards the fans who turn out.

Last meeting: Round 14 2015 - Storm 22 Eels 26

Who to watch: For the Storm look for a strong effort by Kevin Proctor in the backrow. A hard running forward who is an expert at hitting holes. Look for him to run off the right hand edge off some short balls by Cooper Cronk and challenge the Eels edge defence.

For the Eels look at a big game at the back from Michael Gordon. Field position is huge against the Storm and this starts with kick return metres, Gordon needs to get as many as he can and ensure he is well positioned to take advantage of this.

The favourite: Melbourne Storm are favourites after some solid performances over the past month.

My tip: Storm to take the spoils in this clash. They are in great form and full of confidence. Eels have a lot on their plate and can't see them getting up for this game. Storm by 8.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Semi Radradra 3. Michael Jennings 6. Brad Takairangi 5. Clinton Gutherson 18. Kieran Foran 7. Corey Norman 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Danny Wicks 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Beau Scott 13. Tepai Moeroa
Interchange: 14. Kaysa Pritchard 15. Peni Terepo 16. David Gower 17. Ken Edwards

1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Cheyse Blair 23. Ryan Morgan 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 4. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 15. Tim Glasby 12. Kenneath Bromwich 17. Felise Kaufusi

Referees: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Chris Sutton; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Ben Galea, Matt Cecchin