Eels v Wests Tigers preview

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Western Sydney rivals face off at ANZ.

After fighting against adversity all season, the Eels finals hopes were extinguished last Saturday as they slumped to a 20-point loss on the Gold Coast. Seemingly with little to play for but pride, the Eels will be out to upset the Tigers hopes of featuring in September. Coach Brad Arthur has made several changes following the loss to the Titans; winger Vai Toutai replaces Bureta Faraimo on the wing, while experienced forward Beau Scott returns after missing the past fortnight. Manu Ma'u has been named in the centres, but will need to successfully overturn a dangerous throw charge at the judiciary. Having come away with victory in their past two meetings, Parramatta will be hoping to continue their winning ways and finish their tumultuous season on a high.

Putting aside the long-running feud between Robbie Farah and Jason Taylor, the Tigers let their football do the talking last Sunday as they comfortably accounted for the Dragons. Moving to within two points of the top eight, the Tigers will be hoping to take advantage of the wounded Eels in order to give themselves the best possible setup before a run of high-stake matches against finals contenders. Opting to utilise the same 17-man squad that triumphed over the Dragons, Tigers coach Jason Taylor will be hoping the stability and cohesion of being able to field the same lineup in back-to-back games provides the Tigers with the edge needed to come away with two points.

Last meeting: Round 4 2016 - Wests Tigers 0 Eels 8

Who to watch: Having set the Auckland Nines alight back in January, Eels flyer Bevan French has done likewise since debuting in first grade two months ago. With ten tries in seven appearances to date, the 20-year-old speedster shapes as a danger man for Parramatta as they look to upset the Tigers run towards the finals. Among the fastest players in the NRL, French is set for a big future in first grade with his speed and footwork providing the Eels with two wingers capable of turning a game in an instant.

It may be cliché to single out James Tedesco as his side's most potent attacking weapon, but the impact he has on the Wests Tigers cannot be denied. Running for over 150 metres in his past four games alone, the fullback has been in fine form since debuting for New South Wales in Origin 3, with his support play among the best in the NRL. Five years on from his tragic first grade debut, Tedesco has gone from strength to strength for the joint venture and will be out to lead the Tigers to their first finals appearance since the glory days of Marshall and Farah.

The favourite: After knocking off the Dragons last Sunday, the Tigers are expected to add another Sydney scalp to their hit list.

My tip: With nothing to lose the Eels will be dangerous, but with everything to play for the Tigers should finish on top. Tigers by 12.

1. Michael Gordon 2. Vai Toutai 19. John Folau 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Bevan French 6. Clinton Gutherson 7. Jeff Robson 17. Daniel Alvaro 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Ken Edwards 12. Tepai Moeroa 15. Peni Terepo
Interchange: 14. Rory O'Brien 18. Kaysa Pritchard 16. David Gower 8. Danny Wicks

1. James Tedesco 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Jordan Rankin 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Aaron Woods 9. Dene Halatau 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Kyle Lovett 15. Ava Seumanufagai 16. Tim Grant 17. Joel Edwards

Referees: Henry Perenara, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Jason Walsh, Kasey Badger; Video Referees: Luke Patten, Ben Galea, Jason Robinson