The Tigers have slumped to 15th on the ladder and sit just two points clear of last-placed Gold Coast as they confront the harsh reality of missing finals for an 11th straight year.
After the high of back-to-back wins over the Eels and Rabbitohs in round 6-7, the Tigers have lost seven of their next eight games and parted company with coach Michael Maguire.
The Eels have lost two of their past three and need to get back on track quickly if they are to secure an all important top-four spot.
With clashes against the Panthers, Storm, Rabbitohs and Broncos twice still to come, Brad Arthur's men need to take care of business against an opponent down on confidence and struggling to find points.
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The Rundown
Team news
Wests Tigers: Skipper James Tamou had been named to return from a calf injury but dropped out on Friday, his place in the starting side taken by Fonua Pole with Austin Dias joining the bench. Veteran winger Ken Maumalo (knee) is also out and Junior Tupou takes his place. Adam Doueihi returns to the starting side at centre at the expense of James Roberts.
NSW Under 19s Origin rep Justin Matamua makes his debut off the bench alongside Jacob Liddle who returns to the 17 this week after he was 18th Man against the Warriors. Alex Seyfarth is 18th man this week.
Eels: Ryan Matterson had been named to return from a rib injury but was a late withdrawal on Friday with Makahesi Makatoa promoted to the starting side and Nathan Brown joining the bench. With Junior Paulo in Blues camp, Marata Niukore steps into the starting side at prop.
Skipper Clint Gutherson is part of Brad Fittler's extended NSW squad but he'll be released to lead the Eels. Jakob Arthur is 18th man.
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Key match-up
Jackson Hastings v Mitch Moses: Hastings has found the going tough in recent weeks as opposition defences have come hard at him and ensured he feels every hit when he goes to the line. With Luke Brooks struggling in the No,6, Hastings has had to shoulder the majority of the playmaking workload, and he'll have a posse of hardmen coming at him this week as he looks to spark his team. Moses has racked up 19 try assists, 11 line break assists and nine forced dropouts through 15 games but he knows the big test lies ahead as the Eels look to end a 36-year premiership drought.
Stat Attack
Eels playmaker Mitch Moses leads the NRL in try assists with 19, well clear of Cowboy Chad Townsend in second place with 14. The Eels also have five-eighth Dylan Brown (eight try assists in 15 games) inside the top 25 while the only Tigers inside the top 50 is Jackson Hastings with five try assists in 12 games.
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