Roosters v Eels betting tips, prediction and odds; NRL Rd 20 preview

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Here we look at Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels betting tips, prediction and odds update for their NRL round-20 clash at Mackay on Thursday night. 

If not for the Storm-Panthers blockbuster on Saturday night, this would be a clear match of the round, with so much at stake in the unusual surrounds of the North Queensland city of Mackay.

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Parramatta are sitting in fourth place on the NRL table, with the Roosters just one win (and substantial points difference) behind them in fifth place.

A win to the Eels will have them in great shape to lock up a top-four spot for the finals, though they do have a tough run over the next month.

A win to the Roosters will throw fourth spot wide open, with the Roosters and the hard-charging Manly Sea Eagles having designs on taking a double chance into the NRL finals.

Aussie bookies have made the Eels $1.55 favourites to beat the injury-ravaged Roosters ($2.45), who keep surprising, with superstar James Tedesco outstanding in their impressive win against the Knights last weekend.

The Eels fell short 12-10 against the rejuvenated Raiders, and will be desperate to add a big scalp with many pundits questioning whether they are a legitimate challenger to the big three teams this season: the Storm, Panthers and Rabbitohs.

The tricolours have won four of their past five matches against the Eels, though when they met in round nine this season, Parramatta won comfortably 31-18 at Bankwest Stadium.

Trent Robinson’s Roosters have more injury concerns leading up to this match with elusive winger Matt Ikuvalu and centre Billy Smith both picking up ankle injuries against the Knights.

Veteran Josh Morris returns in place of the unlucky Smith, who is done for the season, with Joey Manu shuffling to the wing to replace Ikuvalu. Adam Keighran joins the starting side at centre.

Prop Siosiua Taukeiaho is expected to make a welcome return from a hamstring injury via the pine.

Parramatta, meanwhile, are in relatively healthy shape though lose second-rower Marata Niukore to a knee injury, with Bryce Cartwright his replacement. Centre Tom Opacic was rested in round 19 but is available again this weekend.

Read on for our free Roosters v Eels betting tips, predictions and odds analysis for their NRL round 20 clash from 7.50pm on Thursday, July 29. 

Start:7.50pm AEST, July 29
Venue:BB Print Stadium, Mackay
Head-to-head odds:Sydney Roosters ($2.45) v Parramatta Eels ($1.55)
Line betting:Sydney Roosters +4.5 ($1.90) v Parramatta -4.5 ($1.90)
Premiership odds: Sydney Roosters $17; Parramatta $13

Roosters v Eels tips

Our NRL betting expert has cast his eye over the odds for some Roosters v Eels tips:

Roosters +4.5 points/match total under 48.5 points

We expect this match to have a finals-like intensity, even if it is being played at a smaller ground. Parramatta have a powerful pack but don’t look quite as dangerous with halfback Mitch Moses out of action.

Joey Manu to score 2+ tries at $5

Manu has been a jack of all trades filling in at fullback and now switching to the wing. The last time these teams met Matt Ikuvalu scored a hat-trick and with Manu filling for him he should get opportunities on that side of the field. He is a class player who should enjoy the freedom the wing provides.

Roosters v Eels prediction 29/7

The Eels have aimed up against all but top three teams this season and their forward pack is as good as any out there, providing plenty of offloads and second-phase ball for the backs to enjoy. We like the look of the team the Roosters are putting out this week despite a couple more injuries. The pack looks solid and with the Eels still missing Moses to pull the strings in attack we can see this being an extremely tense, close contest. Tedesco could make all the difference at the end. Our final Roosters v Eels prediction? Roosters by 2 points. 

How can I watch the Roosters-Eels NRL clash?

Free to air: Channel Nine; Subscription TV: Foxtel; Streaming/IPTV: Kayo

How can I bet on the Roosters v Eels round 20, 2021 NRL game?

All of the best Australian bookmakers will offer markets on the NRL.

What time does the Roosters v Parra game start?

The game starts at 7.50pm AEST, Thursday, July 29, 2021.

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