NRL: Eels set for a long night at the Allianz

Parramatta Eels will have to produce one of their performances of the season if they are to beat the Sydney Roosters on their own patch on Friday night.

The Eels have no hope of finishing in the top eight, having won just five of their 20 games in the NRL so far this season.

Parramatta next travel to Allianz Stadium to face a Roosters side that are looking to make it three wins on the bounce after wins over the Manly Sea Eagles and the Dolphins.

Given their record in this fixture and the Eels struggles this season, a comprehensive Roosters win might well be on the cards here.

. What: Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels
. Where: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
. When: 20:00 (AEST), Friday 16th August
. How to watch: Kayo, Foxtel, Channel 9
. Odds: Sydney Roosters 1.14, Parramatta Eels 5.75

Roosters on the rise

With just one defeat against frontrunners Melbourne Storm in their last seven games, the Roosters are a team on the up and look like serious contenders for grand final glory this season.

Currently occupying third place on the ladder, head coach Trent Robinson will be determined to see his side seal a top-four finish at the end of the regular season.

Given their recent free-scoring form, in which they have scored 116 points in their past three games at Allianz Stadium, it’s little wonder Robinson has selected the same 17 that faced the Dolphins last time out.

With a bye week to come in Round 23, the Roosters will look to throw everything at the Eels this week and the hosts are 1.91 with -17.5 in the Line market.

Eels must show character

While results have not made great reading at times this season, the Eels did show character last time out against the reigning champions the Penrith Panthers.

Losing 36-34, Parramatta gave the Panthers a real scare and they will be hoping to put in another resilient performance this week.

The issue is that this game takes place away from the home comforts of CommBank Stadium and the Eels could be overrun if they are not careful on Friday night.

Parramatta have made just one change from the 17-man squad that pushed Penrith all the way, with Kelma Tuilagi back from a thumb injury on the interchange bench and Matt Doorey dropping out.

The Eels have lost five of their last six games against the Roosters and it’s understandable why they are underdogs at 5.75 to cause a major shock at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

Eels centre Blaize Talagi has scored seven tries in his past eight games and is worth looking out for in the anytime tryscorer market at 2.80, while he’s 15.00 to bag the opening try of the match at Allianz Arena.