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Nilpaurion Felagund · 06-23-2013, 02:31 AM

AC Beleriand

(Expected formation)

Last year
Two things were strongly associated with the 2012 AC Beleriand squad: aggressive pressing and a commitment to possession. Fëanor’s squad kept the ball well not only because they fielded four central midfielders (most teams field only two or three, allowing AC Beleriand to pass around them) but also because they went for the ball immediately after losing it. Ulrad and Beren were icons of this high-energy style of play, but even Fëanor, Eöl, and Denethor often harried opposing defenders and defensive midfielders to recover possession.

Playing four central midfielders, however, came at a cost—AC Beleriand lacked width in attack, forcing full-backs Fingolfin and Ecthelion to cover a lot of ground going forward as well as defending. Most teams were unable to exploit this weakness, simply because they couldn’t get the ball long enough to do something with it, but Real Valinor in the semi-finals managed to bypass AC Beleriand’s pressing by sending long balls from the defence straight to Arien, Míriel, and Nerdanel. And even a downgraded Doriath squad managed to stifle their attack by preventing the full-backs from advancing and packing the middle of the pitch, forcing AC Beleriand to beat them on the flanks (which they never did). It’s no coincidence that those two teams who exploited AC Beleriand’s aggressive pressing and lack of width well were the only teams they didn't beat.

Changes
Beren must have been agitating for a move in the offseason, since Fëanor allowed his second-highest goalscorer to walk away too easily. Contract negotiations with holding midfielder Bregolas also fell apart, so two roster spots opened up for AC Beleriand; Fëanor signed Havens wide midfielders Aegnor and Angrod to be their replacements.

Midfield
With Ulrad and Denethor still in the squad, Fëanor retained four ball-playing midfielders who can help keep possession, but his two new signings naturally attack from the wings, giving his side natural width without having to push their full-backs (Fingolfin and Balrog #4, who replaced Ecthelion) forward. In their friendly games the two spent far more time with the back line than with the forwards, making their side more secure against counterattacks. This is particularly helpful when you consider that the ‘2’ in AC Beleriand’s 4-2-3-1, Ulrad and Denethor, were once fielded higher up the field, and are still learning the ropes of the holding midfielder trade. Denethor is more positionally disciplined of the two; Ulrad is a high-energy tackler who would chase opposing midfielders around and harry them in possession.

Attack
The tip of their 4-2-3-1 is, surprisingly, not Fëanor, but Eöl. This has caused opposing defences a ton of problems—the Dark Boot’s tendency is to move from wing to wing, even back to the midfield, to look for space. This often forced a centre-back out of position to mark; otherwise he would be left free to play the ball to AC Beleriand’s other attackers or take a shot himself. Fëanor, on the other hand, is too far away from the line of defenders to be marked by a centre-back, forcing a midfielder to track him. The Fiery Boot can outrun and overpower most midfielders, as Ar-Gimilzôr and Tar-Míriel found out. And Aegnor and Angrod have exploited the focus defences pay on the two forwards by making goalward runs from the wings; Fëanor and Eöl’s passes have often left them with only a defender and the goalkeeper to beat.

Defence
Imlach and Rochallor renew their effective central defensive partnership. Fingolfin remains the leader of their back line, and Balrog #4 is an adequate replacement for Ecthelion, having plied his trade with Anfauglith in the same position last year. The two full-backs would still be required to move forward every now and then, but not as much as they did last year. Marach is a decent goalkeeper who fits well with AC Beleriand’s system; he plays like a sweeper behind the defenders’ high line, clearing crosses and long balls that are played behind the back four.

Quick Guide
CAPTAIN: Fëanor
FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
PLAYING STYLE: possession, pressing
STRENGTH: Attackers, pressing as a unit.
WEAKNESS: Holding midfield duo.
KEY PLAYER: Fëanor
QUESTION: Are Angrod and Aegnor the answer to AC Beleriand’s weaknesses last year?
__________

Inter Beleriand

(Expected formation)

Last year
For a second year in a row, a team led by Maedhros and Fingon failed to advance from their group by the slimmest of margins. Last year, Gondolin’s more convincing 4-0 defeat of Arnor meant that, despite conceding one less goal to Eriador, Inter Beleriand putting just two goals past Arvedui led them to be eliminated on goal difference. And the year before that, Himring were eliminated on goals scored—Tirion scored one more goal against Shire-Bree United than they did.

Maedhros and Fingon were already carrying a huge scoring load, and, while Haleth’s pace is useful on the attack, especially in the counterattacking style Inter prefer, he’s not a goal threat. They need to find goalscorer who will not compromise their defensive solidity.

Changes
Inter Beleriand got what is arguably the coup of the preseason, acquiring all-around midfielder Beren for $13 million. (The only acquisition that could possibly top this is Arien’s transfer to Valimar, although we believe that Caranthir’s move to Tirion is severely underrated.) This signing has improved both their offence and defence—Beren has not only scored five goals and created one for AC Beleriand, he has also often shut down the opposing squad’s most dangerous midfielder.

Inter have also acquired wing player Lúthien, fielding her as a left-back in place of the departing Balrog #5. She is another two-way signing—the former Doriath winger is defensively solid, yet can also contribute to the attack with her pace and well-delivered crosses.

Attack
As a counterattacking side, Inter focus on pace and quick forward delivery of the ball after winning possession. Their specialty is countering off opposition corner kicks—see their second goal against Gondolin last year and their goal vs Doriath in this year’s friendly match.

Beren is fielded as a left-sided midfielder, but he cuts inside whenever Inter is in possession, giving them a third central midfielder and allowing Lúthien to bomb forward. In the impressive AC Beleriand side, he was at his most effective when he was part of dangerous passing triangles with left-back Fingolfin and roaming forward Eöl; Lúthien and Fingon can replicate those roles for Inter. On the right, Haleth is a more traditional wide midfielder, running down the touchline to deliver crosses to the Noldor upfront.

Maedhros and Fingon form a traditional target man/quick man tandem, with Maedhros a target of long balls and a finisher of crosses, while Fingon's pace with the ball allows him to attack defences before they get back into shape. But Maedhros is more than a simple target man—he can hold the ball up while waiting for runners, but he can also turn around and make a run at goal himself.

Midfield and defence
Inter retained their central midfield pairing of Hunthor and Forweg. They’re defensively solid but generally unimaginative with the ball, preferring to play short passes to the wings. Their back four consists of Lúthien and Baragund on the left and the right, respectively (both are converted wide midfielders/wingers) with Haldad and Gorlim as centre-backs. The pair is decent against strong centre forwards, but vulnerable to forwards with pace and technique (which this group is full of). Behind them is Turgon, a fine shotstopper (ninth best save rate last year), a vocal back line leader, and an excellent deliverer of accurate long balls to the forwards.

Quick Guide
CAPTAIN: Maedhros
FORMATION: 4-4-2
PLAYING STYLE: counterattacking
STRENGTH: Attacking trio, pace.
WEAKNESS: Defence.
KEY PLAYER: Beren
QUESTION: Can they score more against Dwarves United than Gondolin? (This is probably the key to their advance—unless they can beat Gondolin.)

06-23-2013, 02:31 AM	#44
Nilpaurion Felagund Scion of The Faithful Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The brink, where hope and despair are akin. [The Philippines] Posts: 5,312	TENT and ArdaCup.com Group B Team Previews, part 1: AC Beleriand (Expected formation) Last year Two things were strongly associated with the 2012 AC Beleriand squad: aggressive pressing and a commitment to possession. Fëanor’s squad kept the ball well not only because they fielded four central midfielders (most teams field only two or three, allowing AC Beleriand to pass around them) but also because they went for the ball immediately after losing it. Ulrad and Beren were icons of this high-energy style of play, but even Fëanor, Eöl, and Denethor often harried opposing defenders and defensive midfielders to recover possession. Playing four central midfielders, however, came at a cost—AC Beleriand lacked width in attack, forcing full-backs Fingolfin and Ecthelion to cover a lot of ground going forward as well as defending. Most teams were unable to exploit this weakness, simply because they couldn’t get the ball long enough to do something with it, but Real Valinor in the semi-finals managed to bypass AC Beleriand’s pressing by sending long balls from the defence straight to Arien, Míriel, and Nerdanel. And even a downgraded Doriath squad managed to stifle their attack by preventing the full-backs from advancing and packing the middle of the pitch, forcing AC Beleriand to beat them on the flanks (which they never did). It’s no coincidence that those two teams who exploited AC Beleriand’s aggressive pressing and lack of width well were the only teams they didn't beat. Changes Beren must have been agitating for a move in the offseason, since Fëanor allowed his second-highest goalscorer to walk away too easily. Contract negotiations with holding midfielder Bregolas also fell apart, so two roster spots opened up for AC Beleriand; Fëanor signed Havens wide midfielders Aegnor and Angrod to be their replacements. Midfield With Ulrad and Denethor still in the squad, Fëanor retained four ball-playing midfielders who can help keep possession, but his two new signings naturally attack from the wings, giving his side natural width without having to push their full-backs (Fingolfin and Balrog #4, who replaced Ecthelion) forward. In their friendly games the two spent far more time with the back line than with the forwards, making their side more secure against counterattacks. This is particularly helpful when you consider that the ‘2’ in AC Beleriand’s 4-2-3-1, Ulrad and Denethor, were once fielded higher up the field, and are still learning the ropes of the holding midfielder trade. Denethor is more positionally disciplined of the two; Ulrad is a high-energy tackler who would chase opposing midfielders around and harry them in possession. Attack The tip of their 4-2-3-1 is, surprisingly, not Fëanor, but Eöl. This has caused opposing defences a ton of problems—the Dark Boot’s tendency is to move from wing to wing, even back to the midfield, to look for space. This often forced a centre-back out of position to mark; otherwise he would be left free to play the ball to AC Beleriand’s other attackers or take a shot himself. Fëanor, on the other hand, is too far away from the line of defenders to be marked by a centre-back, forcing a midfielder to track him. The Fiery Boot can outrun and overpower most midfielders, as Ar-Gimilzôr and Tar-Míriel found out. And Aegnor and Angrod have exploited the focus defences pay on the two forwards by making goalward runs from the wings; Fëanor and Eöl’s passes have often left them with only a defender and the goalkeeper to beat. Defence Imlach and Rochallor renew their effective central defensive partnership. Fingolfin remains the leader of their back line, and Balrog #4 is an adequate replacement for Ecthelion, having plied his trade with Anfauglith in the same position last year. The two full-backs would still be required to move forward every now and then, but not as much as they did last year. Marach is a decent goalkeeper who fits well with AC Beleriand’s system; he plays like a sweeper behind the defenders’ high line, clearing crosses and long balls that are played behind the back four. Quick Guide CAPTAIN: Fëanor FORMATION: 4-2-3-1 PLAYING STYLE: possession, pressing STRENGTH: Attackers, pressing as a unit. WEAKNESS: Holding midfield duo. KEY PLAYER: Fëanor QUESTION: Are Angrod and Aegnor the answer to AC Beleriand’s weaknesses last year? __________ Inter Beleriand (Expected formation) Last year For a second year in a row, a team led by Maedhros and Fingon failed to advance from their group by the slimmest of margins. Last year, Gondolin’s more convincing 4-0 defeat of Arnor meant that, despite conceding one less goal to Eriador, Inter Beleriand putting just two goals past Arvedui led them to be eliminated on goal difference. And the year before that, Himring were eliminated on goals scored—Tirion scored one more goal against Shire-Bree United than they did. Maedhros and Fingon were already carrying a huge scoring load, and, while Haleth’s pace is useful on the attack, especially in the counterattacking style Inter prefer, he’s not a goal threat. They need to find goalscorer who will not compromise their defensive solidity. Changes Inter Beleriand got what is arguably the coup of the preseason, acquiring all-around midfielder Beren for $13 million. (The only acquisition that could possibly top this is Arien’s transfer to Valimar, although we believe that Caranthir’s move to Tirion is severely underrated.) This signing has improved both their offence and defence—Beren has not only scored five goals and created one for AC Beleriand, he has also often shut down the opposing squad’s most dangerous midfielder. Inter have also acquired wing player Lúthien, fielding her as a left-back in place of the departing Balrog #5. She is another two-way signing—the former Doriath winger is defensively solid, yet can also contribute to the attack with her pace and well-delivered crosses. Attack As a counterattacking side, Inter focus on pace and quick forward delivery of the ball after winning possession. Their specialty is countering off opposition corner kicks—see their second goal against Gondolin last year and their goal vs Doriath in this year’s friendly match. Beren is fielded as a left-sided midfielder, but he cuts inside whenever Inter is in possession, giving them a third central midfielder and allowing Lúthien to bomb forward. In the impressive AC Beleriand side, he was at his most effective when he was part of dangerous passing triangles with left-back Fingolfin and roaming forward Eöl; Lúthien and Fingon can replicate those roles for Inter. On the right, Haleth is a more traditional wide midfielder, running down the touchline to deliver crosses to the Noldor upfront. Maedhros and Fingon form a traditional target man/quick man tandem, with Maedhros a target of long balls and a finisher of crosses, while Fingon's pace with the ball allows him to attack defences before they get back into shape. But Maedhros is more than a simple target man—he can hold the ball up while waiting for runners, but he can also turn around and make a run at goal himself. Midfield and defence Inter retained their central midfield pairing of Hunthor and Forweg. They’re defensively solid but generally unimaginative with the ball, preferring to play short passes to the wings. Their back four consists of Lúthien and Baragund on the left and the right, respectively (both are converted wide midfielders/wingers) with Haldad and Gorlim as centre-backs. The pair is decent against strong centre forwards, but vulnerable to forwards with pace and technique (which this group is full of). Behind them is Turgon, a fine shotstopper (ninth best save rate last year), a vocal back line leader, and an excellent deliverer of accurate long balls to the forwards. Quick Guide CAPTAIN: Maedhros FORMATION: 4-4-2 PLAYING STYLE: counterattacking STRENGTH: Attacking trio, pace. WEAKNESS: Defence. KEY PLAYER: Beren QUESTION: Can they score more against Dwarves United than Gondolin? (This is probably the key to their advance—unless they can beat Gondolin.) __________________ フェンリス鴨 (Fenrisu Kamo) The plot, cut, defeated. I intend to copy this sig forever - so far so good... Last edited by Nilpaurion Felagund; 06-25-2013 at 07:41 PM.