[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

In further catch-up mode we now bring the latest news out of Angband's exit in the Octo-finals as well as Quarter-final predictions. There is a time crunch, and therefor the analysis will be back to our old bloggerish roots from '09, but with the way the year has gone, our predicted scores will return to past glory.

Angband

Melkor was not in the merriest moods after realizing his squad will take a 21million dollar hit due to their 1st round playoff loss. Yet if anyone can, Melkor has tons of resources and absorb the loss. Although he is expressing to be more efficient when it comes to spending money.

Melkor: "This tournament showed where there are clear weak spots in the roster. There are a couple players whom I have my Eye set on to bring in and sure up those weak points; primarily in the midfield. The bottomline is also, those who under-performed will have to take a paycut or leave. No excuses for what we gave to the fans in our final match."

Quarter-finals Predictions:

Eriador vs Minas Tirith - Minas Tirith had an unexpected victory against Angband, and it's possible Minas Tirith can go on a similar run to Mirkwood in '09. Eriador will not blow anyone out of the game, that's for sure. With that said, Eriador is loaded with talent from top-to-bottom. They don't need to heavily rely on any single player to win. Except maybe Elrond, but he never wavers in goal, and there is plenty of help for the Rivendell Master.

Eriador wins 1-0

Erebor vs FC Valinor - This will be closer then what most people believe. Erebor is a very balanced team that can win either with offense or defense. Although, FC Valinor is also very balanced. And despire Erebor's good defensive numbers, their players don't match up well against FC Valinor's star-studded attack. It will still go to a shootout.

2-2. FC wins in shootout (4-3)

Rohan vs Real Valinor - Real's only struggles actually seems to be against their rival counterparts, FC. However, Rohan's defense is suffocating and tireless, and the mid-field doesn't make errors. Even if Gandalf doesn't show up with large phantasy numbers, he's a wizard at commanding both offensive and defensive responsibilities in the mid-field. This will also go to a shootout:

1-1. Rohan wins in shootout (3-2)

AC Beleriand vs Shire-Bree United - This will be the most pro-offensive game (even though Erebor and FC feature the more dangerous attacks, they still seem to play more balanced). Shire-Bree's only hope is to try to match AC Beleriand goal-for-goal, but not even Bombadil can counter a Feanor, Eol, and Beren trio. Especially since Feanor is ever determined to snatch another Arda Cup and this may be his best chance since winning in '08. Shire-Bree shouldn't be too disappointed, since they will exit with a huge profit and able to improve their roster next year.

AC Beleriand wins 4-1