2019 NRL Round 23 betting preview – Eels vs Bulldogs

Parramatta Eels – $1.34 at Sportsbet
Canterbury Bulldogs – $3.20

Believe it or not, both halves of Thursday’s derby clash at Bankwest Stadium are on an upward trend in the major NRL betting markets.

The Parramatta Eels are in the mix for a top-four finish and have shortened to $19 for the flag after seven wins in eight games.

The Eels have been especially impressive at home, but the Canterbury Bulldogs will look to spoil the party as they chase another big scalp.

Dean Pay’s men had one hand on the wooden spoon back in June, when they were bottom of the NRL ladder with only three wins from 14 games.

The Dogs have enjoyed a late resurgence, however, and are now an outside chance for finals – and a $1,001 long shot for the title – after knocking off Penrith, Wests and Souths in consecutive weeks.

Can they keep it going with an upset win over Parra, or is this the end of the line for the Entertainers?

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Parramatta Eels Round 23 team news

Junior Paulo returns to the front row in a move that pushes Daniel Alvaro to the bench and Tepai Moeroa to the reserves. Otherwise, the Eels have gone with the same squad that demolished the Gold Coast Titans.

Out: Tepai Moeroa
In: Daniel Alvaro

Canterbury Bulldogs Round 23 team news

The Canterbury selectors have made no alterations to the 17 that claimed a 14-6 win over the Rabbitohs last weekend. Danny Fualalo, Morgan Harper, Michael Lichaa and Ofahiki Ogden are named in the reserves.

Out: None
In: None

Eels vs Bulldogs tryscorer betting tips

Maika Sivo – Parra’s Fijian flyer has scored tries in 15 of his last 18 NRL games. Last week was a rare miss, so the $6 at Sportsbet for Sivo to open the scoring looks a decent bet.

Nick Meaney – The bookies have Reimis Smith as the best bet for the Dogs, but Meaney has the form in recent weeks and offers better value for anytime tryscorer at $2.75 with Sportsbet.

Eels vs Bulldogs NRL stats and trends

• Both of these teams are unbeaten over the past three weeks
• Only Melbourne and Sydney have scored more points than Parra (479)
• The Eels have also conceded more points (428) than any team in the top eight
• Canterbury have risen from 16th to 13th with five wins in seven games

Eels vs Bulldogs NRL Round 23 predictions

It is so tempting to back the Bulldogs for another upset, but the Eels are a different class on their home deck. While Parra should win, Canterbury’s much-improved defence may well keep the margin under a dozen points.

Parramatta Eels by 1-12 points – $3 at Sportsbet