NRL Friday: Eels v Roosters betting tips, prediction & odds, round 9, 2021

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Parramatta v Sydney Roosters match preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL clash at Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta, on Friday night, May 7.

This is another match that falls into the blockbuster category following Thursday’s Souths-Storm stoush, with both these teams among the big five that have a stranglehold on 2021 NRL title betting.

Parramatta will go into this as hot favourites as the Roosters battle an injury crisis that threatens to derail their premiership campaign.


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This is the second match on Friday. In the earlier match, Penrith ($1.10) play Cronulla ($7) at Penrith Stadium from 6pm, with the powerhouse Panthers aiming to make it nine straight wins to start the season.

The Roosters have won the past four matches between these teams by an average of 25 points. In their only meeting in 2020, the tricolours won 24-10 at Bankwest Stadium in round six.

But whatever the standings this clash between the western Sydney powerhouses Parramatta against the monied eastern suburbs Roosters always throws up a clash with plenty of feeling.

For the past few seasons the Eels have been right at the pointy end during the regular season before falling short when it matters most. This is a match where they need to show a ruthless edge and dispatch an opponent that is reeling. This is chance for them to sit the Roosters on the canvas and short up their own spot in the top three sides in 2021.


Eels v Roosters team news for round 9

Parramatta head into the match in good shape, naming the same 17 who took care of the Bulldogs comfortably last weekend. There is some doubt on lock Nathan Brown (hip), but with an Origin place within his grasp he will not want to miss the chance to star on this big stage.

The Roosters are reeling after losing another two players to season-ending ACL injuries. This time its try-scoring freak Brett Morris and prop Lindsay Collins, who join the likes of Luke Keary on the sidelines for the season.

Hooker Sam Verrills (semi-detached retina) who was on the comeback trail from a knee injury from last season, now faces another length stint on the sidelines, with Ben Marschke to take over the starting role and Adam Keighran coming on to the bench.

There is some good news with ace fullback James Tedesco (head knock) named to come back this week, though back-rower Sitili Tupouniua (suspension) is also unavailable after his shoulder charge in the win over Newcastle.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson should also have half Lachlan Lam (knee) available again in the next few weeks.

Read on for our Eels v Roosters tips and winner prediction for their NRL clash on Friday, May 7.


Eels v Roosters

Kick-off: 7.55pm local time
Venue: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Head to head odds: Parramatta $1.55, Sydney Roosters $2.50
Line betting: Parramatta (-4.5 points) $1.95, Sydney Roosters (+4.5 points) $1.85
Match total: 41.5 points: over $1.90, under $1.90


Eels v Roosters free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted free Parramatta-Roosters tips for Friday night’s game.

Eels -4.5 points/match total under 40.5 points

This alternate line is paying $3.90 with rising Aussie bookies TopSport and we think it offers value with wet weather around and another brutal forward battle looming. Most of the recent matches between these rivals have been high-scoring but the Roosters might need to try to lean on their defence to stay in the hunt in this one.

Joseph Manu exactly 1 try for the Roosters

The hard-as-nails Manu seems like he has been there forever but this his 100th NRL appearance and he can notch up the milestone with a try now that he can shift back to his preferred centre position from fullback. He will also need to take more responsibility with Brett Morris, the leading try-scorer in the NRL so far this season with 11, out for the year. Manu is paying $1.25 for 0 tries; $4.10 for one try; $19 for two tries; $75 for 3+ tries.


Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters prediction 7-5-2021

Just on the sheer weight of injuries it’s hard to see the Roosters winning this one. The Eels have one of the healthiest rosters in the NRL at this stage of the season and they have won seven of their eight matches. Their record is not great against the Roosters but that should serve to ensure there is no complacency. Parramatta have a powerful, forward-based style and should be able to wear down the ailing Roosters, though we don’t see this being the usual free-scoring fiesta that these two teams normally provide as the Roosters will want to step up the defence. Our Eels v Roosters prediction: Eels by 6 points.


Eels v Roosters lowdown

How can I watch the Eels-Roosters clash?

Nine, Fox League and KAYO will telecast the game.

How can I bet on the Eels v Roosters clash?

All of the top International betting sites will offer markets on the NRL.

What time does the NRL Round 9 Parramatta-Roosters game start?

The match kicks off at 7.55pm AEST

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