[Boromir88]

Eithel Sirion vs. Mithrim

Promises to be an exciting match and I hope these two meet far in the playoffs so we can really see both at their best.

Eithel Sirion has looked strong in their first 2 friendlies, despite playing two weak teams. What's impressed me about both wins is the flexibility, showing they can play shut out football defeating Doriath 2-0, but also score lots of goals when playing a more offensively capable team like Bree (4-2). It was against Bree, but I did not expect to see that type of goal-scoring ability, coming into the match against Mithrim with a solid 20%.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Gwindor (12)

Mithrim's competition so far hasn't been much better than Eithel Sirion's, so just as much as they are a true test for the tower, this will a true test for Mithrim. Huan at GK should be strong, as usual, but it will depend on whether Turin decides if this match means anything. Turin is at his best when there is a lot at stake, and this is how he carried Dor-Lomin to the quarter-finals last year. However, when the match is not all that important, Turin doesn't show up in the stats, which is probably why he only has 1 assist, in the friendlies.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Huan (10)

Eithel Sirion wins 2-1.

Gelion vs. Lorien

For a new team Gelion is raising a few eyebrows, people are seeing the potential of a good team that will not be easy to run-over. So far, however, Gelion hasn't shown they can win, only play even. The defense is well organized, only allowing 9 shots on target in 2 games, and Dior with a solid 78% saves. However, Gelion is relying too much on Beren for the offense. If they can't find someone else to score, Beren isn't a dominant enough goal-scorer to handle the defensive pressure he will be under.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Dior (8)

I must admit at being surprised by Lorien's 2-1 victory over Minas Anor. I could have over-estimated the Stewards' strength this year, or maybe Celeborn has finally decided to run things his way on the offense, no matter how much yelling Galadriel is doing? Celeborn was asked if this would cause tension in their long-standing marriage: "We're Elves, not Men. We passionately fall in love, wed, and fulfill the only reason to get married...have a kid. We've been sleeping in separate tarans for 8,000 years, but she still won't leave me. You think hot shot elves and gruff dwarves are the only ones who try to get with her, and when they fail I say nothing just smirk as if to say, yep...she's with me. I think it's my silver hair, even after all these years she finds it irresistable." Do we have a new look Lorien, or is Galadriel going to tighten her grip even more?
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Galadriel (6)

Draw 1-1.

Gorgoroth vs. Misty Mountains

Does anyone see a blood bath? Everyone notes the violence when sticking Orcs and Dwarves together, it's just as violence when it's Orcs against Orcs.

Gorgoroth has a bit better defensive strategy, as they've shown in both their matches. They still pick up the cards, and make aggressive tackles, but are quicker, have better endurance, and don't get beat often. Not to mention Shelob who has been one of the better GK thus far. Both goals have come from Castamir so far, but I wouldn't worry much about who else can score. If opponents start paying too much attention to shutting down Castamir, one of his grandsons, or the King, could make them pay. Earnur will have to do better though.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Shelob (10)

The Misty Mountains haven't been playing all that awful, but they still just don't look good. This is the type of diversity that kills a team, because they have no strong leader who will bring everyone together. The Wold's diversity works, because even Uruks find it difficult to hate a wise, compassionate, totally huggable tree like Treebeard. It would be like hating your grandpa. The Misty Mountains don't have that type of leader, and therefor it's a team that isn't in sync and just doesn't work. They're playing respectable, but it will fall apart soon enough.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK- The Watcher (6)

Gorgoroth wins 1-0.

Ithilien vs. Thangorodrim

Ithilien's just as anemic on offense as Beleriand, only mustering 5 shots on target in 2 games. They have played Valimar and the Wold, so we'll see if their chances improve against Thangorodrim. Faramir is the only one who can score, but with this talent around him, he's an average FW at best. He's got a strong and accurate boot, but not great speed. He's going to miss his brother, or uncle as another striker, because Faramir's main weapon as his stealthy ability to slip by defenders unnoticed. As the lone FW, lone scoring threat, scoring is going to be impossible to come by. Somewhat of a shame too, because the defense is pretty talented.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Mumak (6)

Thangorodrim will find it more difficult to score, since they haven't played a defense as stout as Ithilien's yet. However, they will have the same strategy...attack, attack, attack. Ithilien may get a goal if Thangorodrim exposes itself to a counter, but their defense will be under a barage of shots. It's not good enough to keep Durin's Bane, who seems well at home now, and Thangorodrim off the score board.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Durin's Bane (16)

Thangorodrim wins 2-0.

Nargothrond vs. The Wold

We've seen Nargothrond's good defense, but so far nothing from the offense. Finrod needs to open up the game, or his team will become just as dull as Beleriand hoping for a 0-0 game. Nargothrond's always had a strong defense, but the loss of Glaurung was a major blow to the team. It's not like they lit up the score, but goals were much easier to come by than they are now. Also, the plain fear in players' eyes when they played Nargothrond, because of Glaurung, is gone. The defense is still good, but there is no one on this team that will put fear into their opponents.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Beor (6)

Hama, and the defense is likely to get another shut out, but it still won't prove anything about their defense other than they can keep anemic offenses off the board. I like what Treebeard has done with the team, and bringing in the winning mind-set from Mirkwood, but even if they win 1-0 again, there will still be lots of uncertainty.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): DF-Treebeard (14)

Draw 0-0.

Norbury vs. Rohan

This will be Norbury's shot to prove they are better than what we've seen so far. Havens and Thangorodrim were certainly tough matches, but defensively they look only slightly better than Dale. Plus their offense hasn't been any better, as they can only get meaningless goals at the end of matches. If they come out and get a lead early, watch out Norbury will be back, but if they continue to only decide to press forward after the other team has completely pulled back to defend, Norbury's success in the tournament won't be any different than how they're playing right now.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Araphor, FW-Aranarth, GK-Arvedui (4)

Rohan has looked pretty strong so far, but beating Norbury won't prove much. It's a game they are expected to win, and so if they do...congradulations. If they lose, than we begin to question how good they are. It's a pretty bad position to be in, because it's almost like and Ok-lose situation. You either did what you were supposed to, or failed. Rohan's last friendly match against Dol Guldur should be an interesting one, as it's almost like the Round of 16 rematch from last year, but not again.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW-Eomer (10)

Rohan wins 3-2.

Tirion vs. Vinyamar

Tirion will finally have their first true defensive test, as Vinyamar will be the best defense they will be up against for quite a while. Even the Tirion Terrors will face a mighty challenge against Ulmo and his vassals defense. Aule has yet to surrender a goal, but he's only had to save 4 shots, as they were playing Lorien and Beleriand. Should be a similar story for Aule in this match, have to save 2-3 shots all match which will go easily handled. We won't know if Aule can hold together the defense until group play.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF-Ingwe (12)

Ulmo will keep it close, but much like several other teams, are finding it very difficult to score. They mustered one against the Havens, but nothing much to brag about since the tall Gondolin lords were up against their weaker cousins. At least defensively they'll prove that even with the addition of Feanor, Tirion's offense can be held in check.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK-Rog (10)

Tirion wins 1-0.

Utumno vs. Valimar

Wooh, this is probably going to be the most exciting match, and not one based on the final score (as it will probably be very low-scoring) but simply by the level of play.

If anything wakes Melkor out of a slumber, it is going against the Valar in any sport. He didn't seem to mind playing for them last year, but nothing restirs the blood of old feuds like a soccer match. You can bet him and Tulkas will be battling all 90 minutes, and Melkor will be trying to goad him into a rash and stupid foul. If Utumno can score two, the match is more than likely over, and Utumno's critics will be silenced. But scoring 2 on now the Manwe-led Valar defense, phew, that's even beyond Melkor's ability.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): MF- Telvildo, GK-Ungoliant (8)

If anything gets the Valar to throw away the generosity, and courtesy, they show to other opponents it's the chance to beat a team with Melkor and his enemies. Varda has said she wants to guard Melkor all match, because she thinks she can and has the cooler head over Tulkas. Tulkas tried to appeal to Manwe just by saying: "Melkor's mine." but Manwe sided with his wife. However, don't be surprised if Manwe changes his mind during the match, if Utumno takes the early lead.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): DF- Manwe, DF- Vana, GK- Namo (8)

Draw 1-1.