Eels v Bulldogs preview

Parramatta Eels v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
ANZ Stadium - Friday 7:35pm

The last time these two sides met, in round 2 this year, the Eels were hot on the back of a 42-12 thumping of the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, while the Bulldogs had just lost in a tight one to the Panthers. In that game, the Bulldogs were much too good, solidly beating the Eels 32-12.

It's a similar story this time around, with the Eels coming into the game after three wins, defeating the Storm, Dragons and Tigers - finally finding some form after a string of losses mid-season. The Bulldogs, after strong wins against the Panthers and Storm, were defeated by the competition leading Broncos last start.

The Eels have named an unchanged side from the one that defeated the Tigers in Round 17, and will be feeling refreshed after the week off. They'll be desperate to put a good performance together, as they risk losing touch with the top eight if they drop too many more games.

The Bulldogs have named Trent Hodkinson to return to the side, after resting him against the Broncos. His return pushes Moses Mbye to the bench, with one player to be dropped off prior to kick off. Captain James Graham came through his return game unscathed, and will line up at prop. The 'Dogs will be looking to improve on their performance last weekend, particularly through the forwards - their usually powerhouse forward pack showed up by the Broncos forwards.

Last meeting: Round 2 2015 - Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 32 Parramatta Eels 12

Who to watch: As I mentioned, the Bulldogs forwards will be looking to make amends for their performance last weekend. As a pack, the Bulldogs big men struggled for impact, with only two men, Aidan Tolman and David Klemmer, managing to run for over 100 metres. Considering this is usually a major strength of the Bulldogs, they'll need to lift their game.

For the Eels, Semi Radradra, as always, will be one to watch. Radradra has scored 16 tries in only 11 appearances this weekend, including a double last start against the Wests Tigers. In that game he also had two tackle busts, a line break and a try assist - as well as a couple of offloads, proving that even under pressure, he can still create opportunities.

The favourite: The Eels are 3.20 outsiders with most bookies, and don't look to have a lot of hope. I think the bookies have it wrong though, the Eels should be much shorter priced than what they are.

My tip: Despite the Eels good recent performances, I can't go past the Bulldogs in this one. I do think it'll be close though, so perhaps a little bet on the Eels with the start might be good value. Bulldogs by 4.

1. Corey Norman 2. Semi Radradra 3. William Hopoate 4. Brad Takairangi 5. Ryan Morgan 6. Luke Kelly 7. Chris Sandow 8. Junior Paulo 9. Isaac De Gois 10. Tim Mannah 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Tepai Moeroa 13. Anthony Watmough
Interchange: 14. Darcy Lussick 15. Pauli Pauli 16. Danny Wicks 17. David Gower 18. Joseph Paulo

1. Brett Morris 2. Curtis Rona 3. Josh Morris 4. Timoteo Lafai 5. Sam Perrett 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Greg Eastwood
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Shaun Lane 16. David Klemmer 17. Moses Mbye 22. Tim Browne

Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris James; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Adam Reid; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea;

Check out all the action live in our Match Centre