[Boromir88]

Group E

Predicted Standings
1. Tol In Gaurhoth
2. The Forest
3. Nargothrond
4. Mordor

The Isle of Werewolves is an interesting team, they were bronze-medalists in 2008 but that was with Sauron. Once Sauron defected they've been desperately trying to return to their past success. The over-aggressiveness cost them and they lost the tenacity changing back to humans last year. Although you can't help but see a different werewolf pack, a more organized pack instead of relying on the talents of their individual athleticism. It was seen in the friendly against Wilderland, they really wanted to prove their worth to former boss, Sauron. If they keep that attitude every game, I can see TIG returning to former glory and a dark horse for the Final 4 teams.

2nd place is up for grabs and while we've overrated Bombadil's teams in the past, we're going to pick him this year. For Breeland, it all lied in Bombadil's hands and with the Bree bums there was too much slack Bombadil had to pick up. Now, while it's clear the success of The Forest will begin and end with his boots and how much interest Bombadil has to play, the team has better talent behind Bombadil. Thranduil for one is a reliable scorer. And when the Ents are roused they show great quality. AKM pointed out how lackluster they played, just watching the Hobbits play, but 2 facts about this group. 1. There are no hobbits in it. 2. Mordor is loaded with bur-ra-rums and TIG is loaded with werewolves, I don't think the Ents will need much help from Bombadil to wake up and play inspired.

In the end, The Forest's fate still lies with Bombadil, because of this the other 2 teams are contenders to advance. Mordor's got more stars on the team, but a lot of garbage lying around on the team (not to mention the huge void in leadership). Nargothrond has been siphening talent all around Arda the last two years. They are truly an ancient city crumbled from it's former glory. With that said, they will all play under Finduilas' leadership, so they may have a surprise in store for the other teams in the group. However, if Bombadil's been criticized for his disappearing act, I think Finduilas has every right to demand a refund from Beor because he hasn't shown up. Period.

Round 1 Predictions

Mordor vs. Nargothrond - I can't see how the Mordor team will fare well when they have no one in a leadersip role. Their lack of organization will be their undoing, especially against a still highly organized Nargothrond (even if they've lost a lot of their former stars). Nargothrond tradionally plays guarded in the friendlies, and becomes a lot tougher to breakdown in the tournament. Although, they will still have serious scoring issues.
Draw 1-1

The Forest vs. Tol In Gaurhoth - TIG typically starts out sloppy because they field a full team late and don't care about practicing together. However, with the friendly schedule they've had the chance to shake out all their mistakes. It will only work to TIG's benefit. As human players, the Barrow-Downs completely shut down Bombadil's Bree team last year, however as werewolves, they usually struggle keeping the erratic looneyman contained. Bombadil annoys no one else like he annoys phantomwolf. This will be a thriller.
TIG wins 3-2

Phantasy spin -

GK - The only GK worth the phantasy spot in this group is Shastawolf. The Silent Watcher is too green and unproven (especially against some of the powerful strikers in this group). Barahir performed the worst of the goalies in this group and as Nerwen pointed out last year...Old Man Willow, is a tree. Think about it, a tree. I think in later rounds Shastawolf could be a good steal, for no cost, but I don't like the Round 1 match up against Bombadil.

DF - The TIG defense peformed the best getting 2 shut outs. Their aggressiveness though also means they can give up easy goals. Treebeard usually aligns a solid Ent defense, and they did shut down Himring in the friendly. I'd like any of the defenders from these two teams, except when they're playing eachother. (Haleth for Doriath and the Wolves were slightly card-happy. Although not nearly as risky as picking troll or orcish defenders).

MF - So far it's really been the TIG show, and honestly all their MFs have contributed in the friendlies where the other teams haven't. Nazgul #7 has been a force and he's the only one who's been pulling his weight for Mordor. Also Glaurung is a force as a scorer in the center for Nargothrond, if Finduilas decides to let him loose some.

FW - You know what to expect from Bombadil and he is probably the most aggravating player to phantasy owners ever. I don't think he's worth the risk (especially with many other options available) but there's no denying he can unleash a plethora of goals in a short span, if you've picked him on the right game. The TIG FWs would be better bets since you can count on them scoring, but their goals get spread out amongst them. Thranduil can also pick up a goal here and there, but he's best suited being an experimental sleeper pick. He'll rarely be picked up (which means no one else can get the points he'll score), but not a strong enough FW to build a phantasy team from.