TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th
Round 3 - Predictions
Well it appears we can throw in all the advanced stats and metrics we want and it still won't do much good in trying to predict matches this year. Still we will plod on and there is one final round left to restore sanity back in the world of predictions.
Group A
1. Angband vs Tol In Gaurhoth
ACS2012: 1-goal win for Angband
Boro's pick: TIG did not do themselves any favors with a disappointing draw against The Downer. Although, we expect the phantom to have a highlight game against Morgoth's side. The wolves always perform under pressure, but will the wights fold?
Draw 2-2
2. Shire-Bree United vs The Downer
ACS2012: 2-goal win for Shire-Bree
Boro's pick: For some reason we are cautious to pick Shire-Bree in this one. It will depend on how they handle a pressured situation, even though they are clearly the more talented team. The Downer will be The Downer, and that should have Shire-Bree concerned. Shire-Bree gets it done though,
win 3-2.
Group B
1. Arnor vs Gondolin
ACS2012: Draw
Boro's pick: The Arnorians are honourable enough to not cave in completely, but they don't have the skill to stop a Gondolin team that must win to advance.
Gondolin wins 2-1
2. Inter Beleriand vs Eriador
ACS2012: 1-goal win for Eriador
Boro's pick: Inter Beleriand has been quite impressive so far, but now they play the top team of the group. And we doubt Eriador will give a lackluster effort, even though they are already through to the knockout stage.
Eriador wins 2-1
Group C
1. Anduin vs Erebor
ACS2012: 2-goal win for Erebor
Boro's pick: Erebor has already defeated group rivals Wilderland, they have been playing very well...and Smaug hasn't even shown up on the stat sheet much yet.
Erebor wins 2-0.
2. Dwarves United vs Wilderland
ACS2012: 2-goal win for Wilderland
Boro's pick: The Dwarves should play a bit sharper than that 4-1 shelacking Wilderland gave them in the friendlies, but this is a terrible match up in the mid-field for Aule's team.
Wilderland wins 3-1.
Group D
1. Tirion vs FC Valinor
ACS2012: 3-goal win for FC Valinor
Boro's pick: If anyone can score on FC Valinor it would be Tirion, since goals are their specialty. But giving up goals is also their speciality.
FC Valinor wins 3-1
2. Armenelos vs Real Valinor
ACS2012: Draw
Boro's pick: This will be the premier match of Round 3, and possible the premier match of the whole group stage. The winner advances, and in the event of a draw, we believe Armenolos advances due to goal differential. Armenolos in front of their home crowd, will get the edge, they
win 3-2.
Group E
1. Hithlum vs Valimar
ACS2012: Draw
Boro's pick: Will anyone in this group actually win a game, and you know...seize control of it? Wait..what's that? No one?
Draw 2-2.
2. The Havens vs The Sea
ACS2012: Draw
Boro's pick: Of anyone, we suppose The Sea could win a game in this group, but Ulmo's defense has really been disappointing thus far. Ah well, let's go for it anyway.
The Sea wins 2-1.
Group F
1. Misty Mts vs Rohan
ACS2012: 2-goal win for Rohan
Boro's pick: Rohan appears to want to win all games 1-0 (they had the same strategy in the friendlies remember). Which is all fine, until they actually play a threatening attack, but as it stands for this group...
Rohan wins 1-0.
2. Imladris vs Isengard
ACS2012: 1-goal win for Imladris
Boro's pick: All stats and reason point to a win for Imladris, but we've got no clue what side will show up for Imladris. The side that took it to Misty Mts winning 3-1, or the side that's been shut out several times? We'll go out on a limb and say Saruman has a few dubious wizard tricks left.
Isengard wins 2-1.
Group G
1. AC Beleriand vs Angfauglith
ACS2012: 1-goal win for AC Beleriand
Boro's pick: Based on the 5-1 onslaught of Nargothrond, AC Beleriand should win this one fairly comfortably. I will stress should, because this was the same team that only drew with Doriath.
AC Beleriand wins 2-0.
2. Doriath vs Nargothrond
ACS2012: Draw
Boro's pick: Finrod should be ashamed of his team this year and that's all we have to say about that.
Draw 3-3.
Group H
1. Gondor vs Minas Tirith
ACS2012: 1-goal win for Gondor
Boro's pick: Motivations will severely come into question in this one...will Gondor tank the match just so Minas Tirith is also assured of advancing? Would they dare do it in the middle of Mordor?
Minas Tirith wins 2-1.
2. Barad-Dur vs Mordor
ACS2012: Draw
Boro's pick: After Gondor obviously throws their match against the White Tower, how will Mordor react? That has MEFA authorities worried the most. Sauron may even refuse to play the match, if they don't just cancel it due to outrage. In fact, with everything that's happened this year, that will be my prediction. Seriously. Match CANCELLED.
What a way to end the group stage of Arda Cup 2012.
