One of the game's most famous rivalries has some added spice now that the Bulldogs have broken their drought for 2021 and will be walking that little bit taller this week.
The win over Cronulla on Saturday night was an emotional one for coach Trent Barrett and his players, who have stuck together in the face of plenty of criticism during the first six rounds.
They face a far more daunting task against the high-flying Eels but there's nothing quite like a win to lift confidence and Barrett is sure to have his men primed for a big effort.
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The rundown
Team news
Bulldogs: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak came into the starting side on Friday having been cleared for selection after a leg infection hospitalised him last week.
Watene-Zelezniak's return on the wing sees Tuipulotu Katoa drop out of the side and the other player omitted on Friday was Ofahiki Ogden.
Joe Stimson dropped out off the extended bench an hour before kick-off, with Brandon Wakeham the 18th man.
The Bulldogs are aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since August 2019.
Eels: The returning Ryan Matterson and Oregon Kaufusi are into the starting side with Shaun Lane and Junior Paulo shifting to the bench. Wiremu Greig the 18th man.
Haze Dunster is set to play a utility role for Brad Arthur this week with Will Smith sidelined due to a broken thumb.
Joey Lussick and Jordan Rankin were the two players cut from the squad 24 hours before kick-off.
The Eels have won eight of their past 10 games against the Bulldogs.
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Key match-up
Kyle Flanagan v Mitch Moses: The Bulldogs playmaker is still finding his feet and working on his combination with Jake Averillo but the signs are there that things are starting to click. After scoring just 16 points in the first four rounds the Dogs have piled on 54 points in the past three games and Flanagan's game management has been crucial. Moses is part of a lethal Eels spine that will throw plenty at the Bulldogs and make them pay if their defence isn't on song.
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Stat attack
Mitch Moses, Clint Gutherson and Reed Mahoney had two try assists each in last week's demolition of Brisbane and now have 19 between them for the season. Dogs halves Kyle Flanagan, Jake Averillo and hooker Sione Katoa have just six try assists collectively in 2021.
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