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GROUP H, at Angband
Brethil vs Valimar
Angband vs Annuminas

There must have been quite a stir when two of the biggest and most bitter rivals were drawn together. With their home advantage Angband will be looking for revenge after their famous collapse in the final of the classic FA (first age) cup. And with seven Balrogs, a dragon, and former ME footballer or the year Melkor on the team rooster there's no denying their formidable firepower. Valimar, led by prolific strikers Eonwe and Tulkas, might try to take advantage of Angband's relatively weak left wing, where the accursed and inexperienced Ulfang and Uldor might run into trouble agaist the pace of Orome. There are also questionmarks regarding the Angband strikeforce as top scorer Glaurung is out with a pierced underbelly. In his absense Gotmog has been forced to play up front, and although no one denies his quality, some pundits say he plays best directing play from behind the front line. The dark horse of this Angband side is Ancalagon the Black. A string of injuries have kept him out of action for many years and his international experience is very limited, but he is said to be fit now and insiders say he's even better than Glaurung. This will be a big opportunity for him to showcase his talents.

Group prediction: Angband and Valinor will be too strong for Annuminas and Brethil who will have to contend with battling it out for third spot. Angband might just notch a win against Valinor at home in their cavernous underground stadion, although Valinor also has it's fair share of support here. I believe the goalies might play an important part deciding this heavyweight contest . Valimar's keeper Ungoliant is a very good player but has a poor record against the Balrogs. Angband's Carcaroth on the other hand is a good shotstopper but has a tendency to stray off his line or fall asleep on it.