The western Sydney derby is shaping up as a beauty given the results of Penrith this year and the spirited performance from Parramatta last week against the Sea Eagles.

$250 Parramatta Eels vs Penrith Panthers FREE BET

The Eels who were coming off a 52 point drumming by the Roosters, were not given much hope when travelling to Brookvale last week however, the Eels gave the home-side plenty a big scare and four second half tries, saw them take the lead (18 – 16) with only six minutes to play.

The Eels supporters – and bookmakers for that matter, were left gutted though as in the final minute of play, Sea Eagles half Dale Cherry-Evans bombed to the corner where centre Steve Matai scooped up the lose ball to score, resulting in a 22 – 18 loss of the Eels.

It was a loss their effort did not warrant and the long suffering Eels supporters would’ve been happy to see the Eels were committed throughout the game and in attack, keeping the Sea Eagles defence honest and on its toes.

It is imperative this week though that the Eels produce a similar effort and build on last week. With the support of home crowd, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be able to.

The Panthers have started the season well, a good victory over the Knights in round 1 was followed by a narrow loss to Melbourne in Melbourne and last week, after the siren, they secured victory of the Bulldogs.

Each performance has been very solid from the Panthers, especially the last two given that only one of their first choice halves has been able to start.

For this game, Soward will be joined by Wallace in the halves, giving the Panthers plenty of kicking options which should prove vital in keeping the Eels on the back foot.

Still on kicking, the goal-kicking in an anticipated close game could prove crucial. The Eels have slotted only 5/13 in their three games whilst the Panthers will have the services of regular and accurate goal-kickers Matthew Moylan and Jamie Soward.

The Panthers have won four of their last five matches against the Eels including both games last year and the last two clashes at Parramatta Stadium.

Despite this lob-sided recorded, the Eels are at their best when playing at home and will not have to improve much at all from last week to create plenty of head-aches for their opponents.

Big news for the Eels will be the return of half-back Chris Sandow who has been named in the starting line-up – he is sure to be targeted by the Panthers attack.

TIP: Penrith 1 – 12

Odds Comparison:

Parramatta Eels	2.25	2.15	2.25	2.15	2.25	2.10
Penrith Panthers	1.67	1.72	1.67	1.72	1.67	1.75

All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.

Teams:

Parramatta Eels:
Jarryd Hayne (c), Semi Radradra, Will Hopoate, Willie Tonga, Ken Sio, Corey Norman, Chris Sandow, Tim Mannah (c), Nathan Peats, Fuifui Moimoi, Kenny Edwards, Manu Ma’u, Joseph Paulo. Interchange: Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo, Mitch Allgood, David Gower
Ins: Ken Sio, Chris Sandow, David Gower
Outs: Vai Toutai, Luke Kelly (both dropped), Ben Smith (finger, round six)
Other unavailables: Darcy Lussick (suspension, round seven), Jacob Loko (knee, indefinite), Lee Mossop (shoulder, mid-season), Api Pewhairangi (ankle, round five)

Penrith Panthers:
Matt Moylan, Kevin Naiqama, Dean Whare, Jamal Idris, David Simmons, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Nigel Plum, Kevin Kingston, Sam McKendry, Lewis Brown, Elijah Taylor, Adam Docker. Interchange: James Segeyaro, Jeremy Latimore, Tyrone Peachey, Tim Grant
Ins: Peter Wallace
Outs: Isaac John (dropped)
Other unavailables: Josh Mansour (hamstring, round five), Brent Kite (calf, round six), George Jennings (dislocated elbow, round six), Sika Manu (shoulder, round five)