[Nilpaurion Felagund]

• GROUP A, at Rivendell
  • Michel Delving > Rómena
    
    Michel Delving's defence consists mostly of players on the brink of retirement, plus the erratic Lotho, but they do have the stolid Samwise Gamgee, star goalie, who gained much experience during the Orodruin Invitational (III). Their front line is the class of their (Eriador) league.
    
    Rómena's backfield is not as solid as hoped for, but their scoring prowess remains top-notch. Although it is rumoured that Isildur, who faced problems during the Orodruin Invitational (II), will have a difficult time getting the ball past the faithful Gamgee.
    
    It'll be a high-scoring game, with Michel Delving edging out a narrow victory.
    
    
  • Fornost <<< Rivendell
    
    Fornost fans will be rather quiet as Rivendell sweeps the floor with their team.
  
  
• GROUP B, at Edoras
  • Mirkwood < Tol-in-Gaurhoth
    
    Mirkwood, a team struggling to keep itself together. Tol-in-Gaurhoth, one of the most favoured teams in this league. Surprisingly, it will be somewhat close.
    
    
  • Breeland < Edoras
    
    Edoras's excellent defending will counter Breeland's star striker Tom Bombadil. Éomer, Éowyn, and Eorl will be too much even for Old Man Willow.
  
  
• GROUP C, at Doriath
  • Alqualondë > Formenos
    
    Will history repeat itself? I doubt it--with the inclusion of the Halflings into the roster the Swans will gain a respite from doom, and Ossë, Maia wonder, will rip through Formenos's formidable defence.
    
    
  • Doriath >>> Isengard
    
    Totally one-sided. 'nuff said.
  
  
• GROUP D, at Osgiliath
  • Nargothrond >>> Umbar
    
    Total shutdown by the boys from the caves of Narog.
    
    
  • Lothlórien > Osgiliath
    
    Lothlórien 1 : 0 Osgiliath. Galadriel will be the first goalkeeper in Arda Cup history to score.
  
  
• GROUP E, at Gondolin
  • Erebor > Gondor
    
    Two solid teams battle it out, but the Dwarves's stouter defence will hold.
    
    
  • Gondolin > Túna
    
    In the history of the Gondolin football club only Angband has managed to score a goal against them. I doubt that Túna's front line just has what it takes.
  
  
• GROUP F, at Taniquetil
  • Amon Rhûd < Armenelos
    
    Ar-Pharazôn, justly renowned for being the only player to press Taniquetil's fabled defence to the breaking point, will break through Amon Rhûd's stalwart defence for a golden goal.
    
    
  • Helm's Deep < Taniquetil
    
    Helm's Deep, one of the most solid defensive team in Middle-earth. But not solid enough for the Valar.
  
  
• GROUP G, at Mordor
  • Hithlum >>> Moria
    
    The spotlight in this game will be on Fingolfin and Túrin. The Orcs can go shudder and the Dwarves can go weep (and the Watcher can go grope some Halfling), but I doubt that'll be enough against these two hard-chargers.
    
    
  • Minas Tirith < Mordor
    
    Men vs Nazgûl. The Wraiths win.
  
  
• GROUP H, at Angband
  • Brethil <<< Valimar
    
    Brethil just ain't fast enough to catch up with Tulkas and Eönwë's running game.
    
    
  • Angband >>> Annúminas
    
    The bad boys from the North are taking it all the way home.