NRL Round 10 Preview and Prediction - Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels @ Allianz Stadium

 Sydney Roosters v Parramatta Eels @ Allianz Stadium

Preview - It's the battle between two high flying Sydney sides, as the Roosters and Eels collide at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The Roosters are sitting just outside the Top 4 in 5th spot after a last gasp 14-13 defeat against the Warriors in Round 9 at Mount Smart Stadium. The defeat was the Roosters' 3rd of the season and, after starting the season with 4 straight wins, they have now lost 3 from their past 5 games. The Eels, meanwhile, have quietly built up a 3-game winning streak after an alarming 4-game losing streak threatened to derail their season. In Round 9 the Eels scored one of their most comprehensive victories of the season, with a 26-6 victory over a Cowboys' side missing Johnathan Thurston in Townsville. A victory against the Roosters would take the Eels to the edge of the Top 4 and level on points with the Roosters. 

History - The Roosters have dominated the Eels over the past 5 seasons, winning 7 from the past 10 clashes. While the Eels have won 2 from the past 3 clashes, both those victories came at their old home Parramatta Stadium. Remarkably, of the 129 games played between the 2 Clubs, both sides have 62 victories with 5 draws. 

Sydney Roosters' Scouting Report - The Roosters have stood down long-term winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall after his drugs indiscretion. Youngster Latrell Mitchell gets the chance to win back the trust of Coach Trent Robinson at Centre, after he was dropped after a poor display against the Broncos. Veteran Mitchell Aubusson wins back his starting spot in the back row forcing Aidan Guerra back to the bench. 

Parramatta Eels' Scouting Report - The Eels are unchanged from the side that got the chocolates so convincingly in Townsville. Corey Norman has rediscovered his form in the past few weeks and, with Johnathan Thurston in doubt for Origin 1, he will be looking for a massive performance here to put his name up in lights. 

Verdict - Roosters 1-8 in a low scoring game

On a day with a bit of rain around, I'm expecting a slippery Allianz Stadium surface which will play into the hands of the Eels. I think that could nullify a bit of the Roosters ball movement and strike power out wide, and ensure this game's more contested in the forwards. Both sides contain strong packs and I expect it to be a fierce battle in the middle of the field. With the Roosters having dropped 3 of their past 5 games, I'm expecting them to be desperate here, so I think they can win, but I expect the Eels to make them work for it all the way. The Eels have a poor record at Allianz against the Roosters and I'm not sure they have the attack to consistently worry a Roosters' side which is defending well in the last month. I expect this game to be low scoring, with 20 points more than enough to get the victory, with the Roosters squeaking home by a try or two.