[Boromir88]

FRIENDLIES - ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS
BoroLXXXVIII, Two Towers Network

It appears the players are not the only ones who need to shake off some rust, as my scores were woefully off. But by the time the tournament kicks off, I assure my esteemed readers all the rust will be gone.

Anduin (0-1-0) vs Wilderland (1-0-0)
Anduin comes into Round 2 with a draw against the Misty Mts and Wilderland beat Eregion. Anduin doesn't look like they will be pushovers in this tournament, but an uninterested Sauron still managed to beat Eregion and they should have the same success against Anduin.
Wilderland wins 3-1

Angband (1-0-0) vs Minas Tirith (0-0-1)
Angband's defense came out on fire against Minas Morgul, it'll be interesting to see if Melkor wishes to continue flexing his defensive might in the friendlies or after shutting down the effective Minas Morgul attack if he relaxes.
Angband wins 2-0

Angfauglith (1-0-0) vs Gondolin (0-1-0)
This would be an excellent match if it took place in the tournament. Anfauglith has the better athletes but I think Turgon will continue attacking more and letting the defense stand up on it's own.
Draw 2-2

Barad-Dur (0-0-1) vs The Downer (0-1-0)
I have no idea what The Downer team is going to do for this match, or not to mention what they are going to do 5 minutes from now. There seems to be no rhyme or reason, but that's worked to their benefit since no one else knows what they're going to do either.
The Downer wins 3-2

Beleriand (1-0-0) vs Tol Eressea (0-0-1)
With Ulmo expect Tol Eressea to remain defensive. Now that Angrod and Aegnor and some great dwarven smiths have joined Beleriand, I'm still not sure what to expect. They're in a tough group for sure, but should be better to watch than last years team.
Draw 1-1

Doriath (1-0-0) vs Hithlum (0-1-0)
Doriath is the more expensive team as Thingol really has emptied his pocket book this year. Also they're pretty relaxed under Melian's calm demeanor. Hador already struggling with unhappiness from his stars does not bode well for their chances this year. Still on talent alone, this will be a close game.
Doriath wins 3-2

Dunharrow (0-0-1) vs Eregion (0-0-1)
Both teams come in with a loss, but Eregion at this stage looks like the much better team as Dunharrow still has a lot of practicing to do.
Eregion wins 2-0

Eriador (0-0-1) vs Tol In Gaurhoth (1-0-0)
Eriador's had a tough go getting Numenor and now Tol in Gaurhoth, who looks to play just as aggressive as werewolves past, but much more intelligent.
T-I-G wins 3-1

Esgaroth (0-1-0) vs Lothlorien (0-0-1)
It appears the much talked about purchase of Feanor has signs of backfiring for the Golden Woods. I can't explain it other than Galadriel trying to show this is still her team and thus they will play her style. Where the Lothlorien players may fear going out of their Lady's favour the Esgaroth team is playing very care free.
Draw 2-2

Gondor (1-0-0) vs Westernesse (1-0-0)
I can't imagine Westernesse playing with the same gusto they did against Barad-dur. These are their younger brothers and with former Gondorians like Mardil and Hyarmendacil on team Westernesse they will look kindly upon their kin. While the Gondorians will be awed by the majesty and royalty of the Numenoreans and hope one day to achieve their same glory.
Westernesse wins 2-1

Himring (0-0-1) vs Nargothrond (0-1-0)
Not sure what to make of Himring yet, there's definitely talent with the friendship of Maedhros and Fingon. However, would Maedhros have been better trying to attract better talent instead of relying on the loyalty of Men and the "pledged" loyalty of Uldor's clan? If it's true that Glaurung is happy to be back in Nargothrond, where he can be an attacking MF, this bodes good for them.
Nargothrond wins 2-1

Minas Morgul (0-0-1) vs Mordor (1-0-0)
I can see this match being some pre arranged deal where the teams won't go hard against eachother but will still try to get their practice round in. This one has the makings of a...
Draw 2-2

Misty Mts (0-1-0) vs Pelori (1-0-0)
Pelori tends to have greater motivation against the baddie teams and they are overall better than the Misty Mts. The score won't be a blowout, because Manwe's teams like to eak out "kindly" wins, but the numbers will be heavily scewed in favor of Pelori.
Pelori wins 1-0

Mithrim (0-0-1)vs Tirion (0-0-1)
Tuor's a good keeper, but I can't see this team he's put together working. Sorry, I can't. Androg was good at one time, under Turin's guidance, but he had to be begged out of retirement and I can't see them scoring enough goals. Even if Tirion's lost a lot with the departure of Miriel and Nerdanel, Finwe, Aredhel, and Finrod make a quality attack and should not be taken lightly.
Tirion wins 3-1

Numenor (1-0-0) vs Valinor (1-0-0)
Tulkas has put together a dangerous team (and deadly trio of FWs). I wonder how happy Manwe is with the decension of his Valar? Oh well, doesn't matter because Tulkas will take Valinor farther than Manwe will take Pelori. You can go to the bank with that one.
Valinor wins 2-0

Shire-Bree United (0-1-0) vs The Forest (0-0-1)
This should be an entertaining game as both teams approach to the friendlies is loose and relaxed. Both teams have a history of collapsing under pressure, but when there are no pressures to perform well they're a lot of fun to watch.
The Forest wins 4-2