NRL Friday: Eels v Cowboys, predictions & odds, round 8, 2020

We have settled on top-placed Parramatta against 10th-placed North Queensland at Bankwest Stadium as the best match on Friday.

Though  a case could be made that the earlier match, Canberra v St George Illawarra at GIO Stadium in Canberra from 6pm, holds more interest.

We made our decision on the following factor: if the Cowboys can’t cause an upset here against the Eels, we think they are consigned to being also-rans again this season.

And we think they are a chance of shocking the NRL pace setters, who will be without influential playmaker Mitchell Moses.

Moses was being spoken about as a contender for the NSW halfback spot in State Of Origin but will miss a few weeks with a calf issue.

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The Eels still have a formidable line-up, with so much power in the back line, and fullback Clint Gutherson is likely to take on more of the kicking duties. Former Dragons player Jai Field replaces Moses at halfback.

Star winger Valentine Holmes has been named as a reserve after an ankle problem and could be a late inclusion to a team that finally rediscovered winning form with a 32-20 romp against well-performed Newcastle last weekend.

Read on for our best bets and winner prediction for the Eels v Cowboys clash at Bankwest Stadium, Sydney, on Friday, July 3.

Eels v Cowboys odds

Kick-off: 7.55pm local time
Venue: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Head to head odds: Parramatta $1.34, North Queensland $3.30
Line betting: Parramatta (-7.5 points) $1.85, North Queensland (+7.5 points) $1.95
Match total: 41.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90

Eels v Cowboys free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for the Eels v Cowboys clash.

Parramatta Eels v North Queensland Cowboys prediction

We can’t put a knock on Parramatta who play with real power in their game and have lost just one match all season. But we suspect the Cowboys are starting to find their feet and this will be a lot closer than many expect. Parramatta have relied heavily on Mitchell Moses to steer them around the park and his loss could be telling. Parramatta by two points in a thriller.

Eels v Cowboys lowdown

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