NRL Friday: Panthers v Eels betting tips, prediction & odds, round 18, 2020

Welcome to our Penrith v Parramatta match preview, prediction and odds update for their NRL clash at Panthers Stadium on Friday, September 11.

This is a clear pick as match of the round, with the Panthers sitting at the top of the NRL ladder after compiling 12 consecutive wins.

Parramatta are sitting in third place, but have looked a little shaky of late with a 38-0 loss to South Sydney and a battling 24-18 win last round against the resurgent NZ Warriors.

The Eels will be desperate to lock up their spot in the top four with a win here, while the Panthers can pretty much seal the minor premiership if they take maximum points.

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When these teams met in round five, the Eels triumphed 16-10. But the Panthers have not lost a game since and are on a 12-game winning streak.

Penrith regain rangy lock Isaah Yeo after he missed a week with a head knock. James Fisher-Harris moves from lock to prop, with Moses Leota back to the pine.

Parramatta have named powerhouse hooker Reed Mahoney (AC joint) in their starting line-up but he would seem unlikely to play, with Ray Stone in line to take over dummy-half duties. Eels second-rower Marata Niukore is out with a rib injury; Andrew Davey is his replacement.

Read on for our Panthers v Eels tips and winner prediction for their NRL clash on Friday, September 11.

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Panthers v Eels odds

Kick-off: 7.55pm local time
Venue: Panthers Stadium, Penrith
Head to head odds: Penrith $1.35, Parramatta $3.20
Line betting: Penrith (-7.5 points) $1.85, Parramatta (+7.5 points) $1.95
Match total: 36.5 points: over $1.94, under $1.85

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Panthers v Eels free betting tips

Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free Penrith-Parramatta betting tips.

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Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels prediction

Recent meetings between the teams have been uncompromising affairs with tries tough to come by. Their past two meetings have resulted in a 16-10 win to the Eels this year, and a 16-10 win to the Panthers in round 11, 2019. The weather is forecast to be clear and we think maybe this will be a more attacking affair than normal, especially if the Eels can make a fast start and force Penrith to chase. On recent form the Panthers should win comfortable but we sense a big effort from Brad Arthur’s team to take this match down to the wire. Our Panthers v Eels prediction: Panthers by 2 points.

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Penrith v Parramatta lowdown

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