[Boromir88]

GROUP C- It looks like the sure lock for 1st is Mithrim. 2nd will be up for grabs between the other three. It will be a tight race, but not particularly exciting since they are not great teams, more mediocrely even.

Mithrim- There is no reason to believe Mithrim will not sweep the group, even if some would call their friendly performance disappointing. I can't see anyone being serious challengers to Mithrim. The excitement and true test for Mithrim to prove themselves will be in the first playoff game. TTN is projecting Mithrim will play either Valimar or Thangordrim in the first playoff, and either one of those teams will make for a great match up. The winner will quickly shoot up as the favorites to take home the Arda Cup.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): **GK-Huan (18)

Nargothrond- historically Nargothrond has not only made, but been tough competitors, in the playoffs. This is the first year TTN thinks it is more likely Nargothrond will miss out. There is history and experience working for Nargothrond, but they are vastly depleted in talent from previous tournaments. The good news, for any fan of the sport, is Finrod will never allow his guys to quit, so all of their matches will be close down to the last minutes. However, when I look at Nargothrond's line-up, I think of veteran finesse pitchers in baseball. They're solid players, because of their knowledge and wisdom for the sport. However, you don't fear them, like you would facing a pitcher who can throw 102mph. When you look at Nargothrond's line-up, everyone knows their talent, but there is no Feanor, there is no one an opponent will fear. They are a good team, but ultimately a beatable one, and Norbury and Pelennor know it.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK- Beor (8)

Norbury- I like Norbury's chances to finish 2nd better than Nargothrond and Pelennor. Their friendly schedule was brutal. Tirion and Thangorodrim are heavy semi-final favorites and have some of the best odds to win the championship. While the Havens and Rohan have high hopes and look like playoff-caliber teams too, Nargothrond and Pelennor don't. In most other groups, Norbury would have a tough time advancing. They match up well against a careful, mistake-free Nargothrond, because Norbury stresses the same but has a clear edge scoring. It is going to be against Pelennor where Norbury will have the most trouble. Their defense allowed 27 shots on target, while their offense got 15. Pelennor loves to attack, Norbury's D will be hard-pressed.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW- Araphor (11)

Pelennor- It's going to be a peculiar situation, because the match against Norbury is one that Pelennor could easily win. However, they don't match up well against the much sturdier defenses of Mithrim and Nargothrond. Even with a win over Norbury, in a freak way, Norbury could still finish above them(depending on if Norbury can best Nargothrond). The key match will be against Nargothrond. If they get at least a draw, and with a win over Norbury, you have to like their chances of advancing
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW- Legolas (15)

Predicted Group Standings
1. Mithrim
2. Norbury
3. Pelennor
4. Nargothrond

GROUP D- Kind of like Group C, where it should be replatively easy for Eithel Sirion to win the group, and the battle for 2nd will close between the other 3 teams. However, the Group D teams look all around stronger than Group C.

Dale- Dale had a rought start to the friendlies, and looked to be in utter shambles, but has gotten more consideration by surprisingly posting an 18.8% goal-percentage. But the combined skill of Smaug and Thranduil will not be enough for Dale to advance. Over half their team finished the friendlies with negative phantasy points. With the amount of cards the defense picks up, as well as allowing the most shots on target (37), they can't advance. At least fans will be treated to some great goals.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW- Smaug (15)

Eithel Sirion- Have proven themselves on both offense and defense. While not the strongest defense in the tournament, no one in this group should give them too much of a problem. The thing that strikes me the most about Eithel Sirion is the even spread of talent, they define a complete team. Only Bregor had no phantasy points, and 7 players ended with 10+. Expect to see a drop in that output, but having 1 or 2 players from Sirion on your phantasy teams would be a wise move.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): *MF- Hador (21)

Gelion- They could be too tough defensively for Dale and Rohan, but I doubt their ability to score enough to win. They allowed the fewest shots on target, but Dior also conceded at least 1 goal a match. If that trend continues, Gelion isn't good enough to get 2 goals and win. And draws won't be enough to sneak by in this group, the other teams are too good offensively to not pick up wins against eachother.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): GK- Dior (12)

Rohan- There are many questions about their defense. Offensively they will be fine, they had as many chances as Eithel Sirion, and only 1 less goal. They also gave up 8 goals though, and the only great offensive power-house they played was Dol Guldur. They'll be confident having defeated Dale earlier, and despite the sub-par defense it still should be good enough to hold Gelion to 1-goal. Also, of the three, I give them the best chance at a surprise knock-off of Eithel Sirion. Their offensive outputs are virtually even, but their entire defense has downgraded from last year. Even at GK, Theoden is performing better for Pelennor than Fram is for Rohan.
*Top phantasy scorer(s): FW- Eorl (18)

Predicted Group Standings
1. Eithel Sirion
2. Rohan
3. Gelion
4. Dale