NRL Round 8 Preview and Prediction - Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers @ ANZ Stadium

 Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers @ ANZ Stadium
 
Preview - The Western Sydney Derby between Parramatta and Penrith this year takes place at ANZ Stadium, for the first time, at 3pm this Saturday afternoon. The timeslot and location of the game has drawn criticism from Panthers’ boss Phil Gould who said Homebush is nowhere near Western Sydney and the time of the game clashes with all Junior League matches in Western Sydney. Perhaps his comments were aimed at deflecting away from his side’s awful display last week in their 28-2 loss against the Sharks at home. Penrith came into the season as Premiership favourites, however are under pressure with just 2 wins from their opening 7 games. The Eels got a much needed win against the Tigers, breaking a 4-game losing streak, with a come from behind 26-22 victory. 
 
History - The Panthers managed to scramble 2 tight victories against their biggest rivals last year. They relied on a last minute try to beat the Eels at Parramatta Stadium 20-18, before surviving 22-18 in Round 19 at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers have a slight edge in recent years, winning 6 from the past 10 clashes. However, interestingly, the Panthers have a diabolical record at ANZ Stadium, having won just 2 of their past 12 matches there, including losing the last 4 straight. 

Parramatta Eels Scouting Report - The Eels welcome  Kenny Edwards into the side for the first time this year with the back rower winning a a place on the bench. Michael Jennings had his best games in a few weeks last weeks terrorising opposite number Jamal Idris on a few occasions. Corey Norman's form has dropped off in the past month and I think the Eels need him back to somewhere near his best if they are going to make it back to back victories in this game. 

Penrith Panthers Scouting Report - The Panthers are unchanged however will be looking for some of their senior players to start playing better football. I think Trent Merrin has been quiet on the last few games and is not playing at the level he was last year. Matt Moylan looks a bit like the weight of the world his on his shoulders at the minute. If it were my call I would make Merrin captain, freeing Moylan up to just concentrate on playing football. 
 
Verdict - Panthers by 1-6 in a fiercely contested game

I think Penrith can bounce back here against an Eels’ side that got out jail in many respects against the Tigers. Penrith will have been embarrassed by their performance at home last week against the Sharks, and desperately need a win here to stay in touch with the Top 8, even at this early point in the season. Penrith have already shown a couple of times this year when they get it together they are capable of racking up a big win. I think their ceiling is higher than Parramatta’s, and I have to think, after a couple of poor defeats, that this team is going to be ready to hit back with a vengeance here.