A traditional "Western Sydney Derby" is on the cards as two great rivals go head to head in a very important clash. At the moment, there are a host of fans from other teams that are pushing to make the Top 8 that are continually cheering for the Tigers' opponents in the hope that their side will gain another two points on them. Things are becoming very desperate in the NRL and this is the situation that fans are left with. As it is, the Tigers have had a very poor run with injuries this season but have still had their fair share of dismal performances to blame as well. They are to blame for the situation and they are also the only ones who can turn things around. Standing in their way however, is the competition leaders who will be searching for their 12th win in a row. Their play this season has been amazing to watch and they have deserved the winning streak that they are on. Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. This is not suggesting that a loss is on the cards, but there have been plenty of people in recent weeks suggesting that a loss for the top side in their run to the finals wouldn't hurt them. There are a lot of positives to take away if the Bulldogs were to lose, yet you can never suggest that a team who want to lose. There could be a whole range of effects that occur, including the loss of momentum and confidence. Neither side will allow their opponent to get an easy victory in this game and it ensures that we are set for a quality clash. Like the other Friday night fixture, this game will be played with a "semi final intensity" and a lot of questions about teams potential will be answered at the conclusion. Even better is the fact that there is a lot of value in this clash for punters.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have been playing some fantastic football that has caused a terrific phenomena if you are a first grade coach. Players that are being brought into the side to replace are taking their chances with both hands in order to nail down a spot in this side. Competition for places is driving their players to greater heights each week. Their side this week only features a few changes to the previous week. The best news is the return of two mountain men to the frame in Sam Kasiano and James Graham. Kasiano is making a long awaited return from injury in the starting side while Graham, who was named to face the Broncos but was a late withdrawal, is named to start from the bench. Replacement forwards Dale Finucane and Martin Taupau retain their positions also, but this is in an extended bench. Competition is hot for the final interchanges spots and there is two players who have to be dropped off. These players have been great for the Bulldogs with their limited chances and the decision will not be easy. It will come down to how they think they can best beat the Tigers. Based on recent weeks, you would just be getting the ball to Ben Barba in an attack position. This bloke has been unbelievable!
Wests Tigers
After holding off the Dragons, the Tigers take some confidence of their past two victories into this clash. The Liam Fulton experiment continues at 5/8 and they would be mad to change it just yet as they have no one else really to fill the position. There is no change to the side that was good in horrific conditions except for the naming of Ben Murdoch-Masila on the extended bench. He was injured in the loss to the Cowboys and his presence is definitely needed off the bench. He knows how to maintain the intensity which is set early. The Tigers should aim to highlight their strengths of a very mobile forward pack that likes to play fast football. They are at their best when this happens. This is because that have the players like Marshall and Farah who wait and pray for defensive errors from their opposition.
Recent History
Overall = Bulldogs 14 - Tigers 9
Last 5 games = Bulldogs 4 - Tigers 1
At ANZ Stadium = Bulldogs 6 - Tigers 5
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Bulldogs $1.45 Tigers $2.85
Centrebet = Bulldogs $1.45 Tigers $2.85
Sportsbet = Bulldogs $1.42 Tigers $2.95
Betfair = $1.45 Tigers $3.15
Verdict
This game does seem pretty clear cut. The Bulldogs are going for 12 straight wins and the Tigers are clinging to 8th spot and desperately trying to gather some momentum. With their level of play this season, it would be an amazing performance for the Tigers to cause an upset. Yes the Bulldogs are dealing with a very short turn around form Sunday and it is also mentioned in the Broncos/Storm preview, but the Dogs are all class this season. They should make it 12 in a row but it will be a lot closer than people think.
This game does seem pretty clear cut. The Bulldogs are going for 12 straight wins and the Tigers are clinging to 8th spot and desperately trying to gather some momentum. With their level of play this season, it would be an amazing performance for the Tigers to cause an upset. Yes the Bulldogs are dealing with a very short turn around form Sunday and it is also mentioned in the Broncos/Storm preview, but the Dogs are all class this season. They should make it 12 in a row but it will be a lot closer than people think.
Suggest Bet
Bulldogs 1-12 @ $3
Narrow your margin = Bulldogs 7-12 @ $5.50 - It will be closer and the "suggested bet" is a 1-12 margin. Why not try to add some value your bet and go for this option. There is even more value 1-6 @ $6.
A different try scorer = Krisnan Inu @ $11 - Barba and Morris are both on fire and are subsequently really short to score. They're top chances to do so but so is this bloke. He is relishing the new club after a mid season transfer and we are seeing the best of him. Why not hope that he finds the line first as well.
Bulldogs 1-12 @ $3
Narrow your margin = Bulldogs 7-12 @ $5.50 - It will be closer and the "suggested bet" is a 1-12 margin. Why not try to add some value your bet and go for this option. There is even more value 1-6 @ $6.
A different try scorer = Krisnan Inu @ $11 - Barba and Morris are both on fire and are subsequently really short to score. They're top chances to do so but so is this bloke. He is relishing the new club after a mid season transfer and we are seeing the best of him. Why not hope that he finds the line first as well.
Good luck!
Scooby
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