NRL Sunday: Knights v Eels, predictions & odds, round 9, 2020
Fourth-placed Newcastle and top-placed Parramatta clash at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday in a high-stakes NRL blockbuster.
The Knights have been among the big improvers this season, and all their grit was on display in holding off Manly 14-12 last weekend. A win against the powerful Eels could seriously catapult them into finals contention.
It won’t be easy though. Parramatta have proven their depth by stepping up even without star halfback Mitchell Moses to beat the Raiders and crush the Cowboys in their past two matches.
These teams met twice last season, for a 28-14 win to the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, and a 20-14 win to the Eels in the return bout at Bankwest Stadium.
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The Eels regain tough lock Nathan Brown after suspension, with Marata Niukore moving back to the bench.
Newcastle have lost towering winger Edrick Lee to a broken arm, with rookie Tex Hoy coming in as his replacement, while they have also lost forward Sione Mata’utia because of a head knock. Veteran Aidan Guerra starts in the back row.
Read on for our best bets and winner prediction for the Knights v Eels clash at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle, on Sunday, July 12.
Knights v Eels odds
Kick-off: 4.05pm local time
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Head to head odds: Newcastle $2.35, Parramatta $1.61
Line betting: Newcastle (+3.5 points) $1.97, Parramatta (-3.5 points) $1.83
Match total: 37.5 points: over $1.97, under $1.83
Knights v Eels free betting tips
Below our NRL betting expert has highlighted his free tips for the Newcastle-Parramatta clash.
Newcastle to win/under 37.5 points match total
The forecast for Newcastle on Sunday is bleak so that may well help out keeping the scoring in check. We have been impressed with the Knights’ grittiness when under pressure this season so are happy to be on them at home.
Mitchell Pearce to score a try
The veteran halfback has a chance to shine here with the Eels’ star halfback Mitchell Moses still out injured. If the Knights pack can hold their own expect Pearce to be able to run the showm
Newcastle Knights v Parramatta Eels prediction
Newcastle have won four of the past five clashes against Parramatta and were are betting on this game being the one where Moses missing takes a toll on the Eels, who have been outstanding in his absence. Our final selection? Knights by eight points in a bruising contest in the wet.
Knights v Eels lowdown
Channel Nine, Fox League and KAYO will telecast the game, or it can be streamed at NRL.com.
All of the top International betting sites will offer markets on the NRL.
The game will kick off at 4.05pm local time.
