[Boromir88]

Round 1 Matches
-Boro88

We wouldn't be TTN if we didn't have our match predictions. Here's the Round 1 games, with our predictions:

GROUP A

1. Armenelos vs The Havens -

This is looking like a very even back-and-forth affair. The Havens likes to control the midfield, but that's a tough bill against this Numenorean squad which likes to do the same. The Havens still has enough weapons to trouble Armenelos, in the end though, the defense is not strong enough to stop them. *Armenelos wins 3-2


2. The Barrow-Downs vs Valimar -

Valimar will have an easy time with this one. After last year's ban on games being played in Valinor was lifted, Valimar will want to prove they are wise and gracious hosts, but also give their home fans some exciting football many couldn't witness last year. *Valimar wins 2-0.

GROUP B

1. Inter Beleriand vs Dwarves United -

This one is setting up to be a draw. Dwarves Utd's defense is too good to give up more than one goal, while Inter Beleriand has a lot of questionmarks on the defensive side of the ball (Luthien aside). The only question is willl this game be 0-0 or 1-1? We'll say *Draw 1-1.

2. AC Beleriand vs Gondolin -

AC Beleriand should be able to get whatever they want with Rog and Gondolin's defense. Will this be a blowout, or does Gondolin show some offensive spirit too? *AC Beleriand wins 3-1.

GROUP C

1. Hithlum vs Real Valinor -

A high-scoring slugfest for the ages (and a defensive nightmare if you're the coaches). This could be a semi final battle of these teams weren't in the same group, but it's also great having a matchup like this early on. *Draw 3-3.

2. Shire-Bree United vs Doriath -

If the first match ends in a tie than the Halflings will at least enjoy a few days at the top of the group..befre Hithlum and Real Valinor come to put them in their proper place. *Shire-Bree wins 1-0.

GROUP D

1. Isengard vs FC Valinor -

Saruman would not have been happy with FC Valinor in their group, but at least they get the hardest one out of the way early and then have the last 2 rounds with better chances against Barad-Dur and Gondor. *FC Valinor wins 3-0

2. Barad-Dur vs Gondor -

This will more than likely end in a draw. We don't like picking draws in rivalry games, since usually there is extra inspiration to eliminate your rivals. But with both teams looking evenly matched, and with it being a game in round 1, neither will want to play too risky and start with a loss. *Draw 2-2.

GROUP E

1. Eriador vs Misty Mts -

We'll see if the Misty Mountains can keep this one close. Eriador won't score many goals, but their defense will allow even less. If this is a 1-goal loss, then we really start liking the risk in taking Misty Mts to advance...if anything more than well it becomes a tough climb. *Eriador wins 1-0.

2. Erebor vs Wilderland -

Even with dragon slayers on their team, Wilderland's going to be tough for this Erebor defense to keep off the board. With that being said Erebor's trio of forwards should also have their way with Wilderland's defense. Beorn will be the bigger reason Erebor wins though. *Erebor wins 2-1.

GROUP F

1. Nargothrond vs Minas Tirith -

Closer than the experts think. As our Group F preview explained, Minas Tirith plays a game that can give Nargothrond's defense fits. Especially since statistically, you'll see Nargothrond dominating possession, total shots, shots on target, but the scoreline won't reflect Nargothrond's dominance. *Nargothrond wins 3-2.

2. Tirion vs The Sea -

This is one of the marquee games of round 1. It's hard to see Tirion being kept off the scoreboard, but if any defense is capable of that it's Ulmo's. They already kept Arien scoreless in the friendlies, then Celegorm and Curufin as well. But Tirion's got just enough for a late equalizer. *Draw 1-1.

GROUP G

1. Angfauglith vs Imladris -

Angfauglith had a disappointing performance in the friendlies, but holding AC Beleriand and Nargothrond to 2 goals each is still pretty impressive. Imladris won't score...it'll be up to Gothmog and Ecthelion though to work some flashing teamwork and get a goal against Varda's Imladris. *Angfauglith wins 1-0.

2. Angband vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth -

Another marquee match. Angband usually has a difficult time being ready to go in round 1. So has TIG, for that matter, but they look to be in much sharper form already. The wolves will be playing aggressive and hard to show off in front of Morgoth...but Carcharoth will also be wanting to show off to old wolf buddies playing for TIG. We almost called this a 2-2 draw, but will say...*Angband wins 2-1.

GROUP H

1. Mordor vs Rohan -

This will be another game I'm interested in seeing. Now it may not suit the fancy and attraction of majestic Valar, or powerful Noldor, or the regal Numenoreans but I feel Mordor's low payroll will grab some attention from fans. *Mordor wins 2-1.

2. Anduin vs Arnor -

It comes down to whether the best team on paper can beat the grizzled team of veterans from the North. Anduin's got some better players, but the better and now re-unified kingdom of men will play better as a unit. *Draw 2-2.