[Boromir88]

TWO TOWERS NETWORK
Boromir the 88th

GROUP C

The Favorite: Erebor (TTN - 8. OFF - 21. DEF - 7. GK - 7)

Even if currently in TTN's power rankings Erebor is behind Wilderland, Erebor is coming in as our favorite to win Group C, just by looking at the match up. I mean, a Dragon against tree defenders...anyone see a problem with that match up? Add in Thranduil is superior to Oropher and the team-play of a Nazgul, there is no reason Erebor should be content finishing in 2nd. Plus Bard returns to command the position he has been most comfortable in, the mid-field. Erebor will have tougher challenges against Anduin (with an experienced monster-slayer on the defense) and Dwarves United (who are also very resilient to dragons)

The Challenger: Wilderland (TTN - 7. OFF - 6. DEF - 22. GK - 13)

There is something about this team that we just don't trust, right now. It's not the unpredictable tree-defenders (great when roused, but clumsy and careless in close quarters), but also Thingol and Galadriel. Sure both played vital roles in the attack during the friendlies, but they are notorious for being dreadfully conservative and too-defensive when the real matches begin. They must command the mid-field as they did in the friendlies, by pushing the ball up to their star-FWs, if they return to their usually negative tactics, Wilderland will not advance.

The Upset: Anduin (TTN - 10. OFF - 13. DEF - 16. GK - 15)

We don't trust Wilderland and there's something that intrigues us with this Anduin team (and no it's not some boyish fan crush TTN has with BoromirII). It's a sneaky quick attack that matches up well against the slow Dwarves and the wooden Wilderland defenders. Led by a man, who is one of the premier defenders sought out when a team wants to shut out the opponent's dragon. Plus, Celeborn and Galadriel are separated again, so we'll see if Celeborn's ingenuity will come out in Anduin's play, when in the past, it always appeared Galadriel jealously refused to listen to Celeborn's ideas.

The Relegate: Dwarves United (TTN - 29. OFF - 31. DEF - 9. GK - 26)

I really don't think there as bad as they performed in the friendlies. I mean how could they be with both Celebrimbor and Aule in the defense? The team though, is just not working as it currently sits. They tried to address the problems of fielding an entire dwarvish team, by attracting some Elves who were friends of dwarves, but really Legolas is no good as the lone offensive threat, and Celebrimbor can't hold the defense forever. Especially since Bombur is not that great of a GK.

Round 1
Anduin 2 - 2 Wilderland
Dwarves Utd. 1 - 2 Erebor

Group C Prediction:
1. Erebor
2. Anduin
3. Wilderland
4. Dwarves United

GROUP D

The Favorites:

1. FC Valinor (TTN - 1. OFF - 4. DEF - 17. GK - 14)

It is nearly impossible to distinguish between these two, but we're going to try to anyway. FC Valinor will have the confidence boost from beating Real in the friendly match, but there really is no significant statistical defense. Perhaps the fact that Huan performed better, and is the more proven GK, is the most important stat, but even he wasn't on top form during the friendlies.

2. Real Valinor (TTN - 2. OFF - 5. DEF - 15. GK - 17)

Even if the friendlies showed an even performance, we would still take the Arien-Miriel-Nerdanel trio ahead of Curufin-Celegorm-Yavanna at this moment. And here is also something to consider, the x-factor on Real Valinor is Caranthir. He is prone to losing his temper, but he also knows how to neutralize his brothers. It will be interesting to see what secrets Caranthir gives to Tilion that could slow down Curufin and Celegorm.

The Challenger: Armenolos (TTN - 9. OFF - 15. DEF - 8. GK - 10)

It is very difficult for us to invision a playoff that did not have the royalty of Numenor as one of the final 16 teams. Plus, you woud think with all of Numenor behind them, that would give the Numenoreans the right spirit and motivation. Ar Pharazon desires nothing more than to send the Valar packing, in front of his home fans. But this isn't the same overly-complacent Valar-led teams. They have star-quality written up and down the rosters, and would also like to sink Armenolos' championship hopes, just as they sunk the island of Numenor many ages ago.

The Upset: Tirion (TTN - 3. OFF - 1. DEF - 25. GK - 27)

We almost listed Tirion as a relegate, which is a shame, because in any other group they would be a challenger or favorite. Their defense and goal tending is way too porous to pick them to advance from this group. With that said, their offense is so good Tirion can't be completely counted out of the playoff picture.

Round 1
FC Valinor 1 - 2 Real Valinor
Armenolos 2 - 2 Tirion

Group D Prediction:
1. Real Valinor
2. FC Valinor
3. Armenolos
4. Tirion

GROUP E

The Favorite: Valimar (TTN - 6. OFF - 18. DEF - 1. GK - 2)

One of the top defenses and goal keepers, plus one of the most expensive payrolls and the Valar have to be favorites to win Group E. However, TTN is predicting they're going to flop in 2012. Almost for the same reasons as Wilderland, since those leading the team have dreadfully conservative tactics, which just has never worked in the tournament. But unlike Wilderland (who can unleash some dangerous strikers with Scatha and Orome), Valimar has an untested offense. The key to beating offensive power-houses like Hithlum (and even The Havens) is pressuring their defense and having a killer instinct. A 1-goal lead is never safe when facing Turin. Unfortunately, this instinct does not reside in Manwe's team.

The Challenger: The Sea (TTN - 12. OFF - 11. DEF - 11. GK - 12)

A far more balanced Valar team, and thus very dangerous. Ulmo is the premier defender in Arda, especially when aided by his Maiar helpers. Now you add in a deadly finisher like Tar Minastir? And you have the makings of a team that can advance deep. Tar Minastir is a mighty threat, but that is their weakness, since he's pretty much their only threat, even though Ulmo likes to be adventurous and creative in the offense as well.

The Upset: Hithlum (TTN - 20. OFF - 3. DEF - 28. GK - 32)

It would be unheard of if Turin is left in the group stages, but there is a significant possibility of this happening. Even if TTN personally believes Valimar are too complacent to deliver a killing blow to Hithlum, that doesn't mean the Valar are pushovers...certainly not defensively. Hithlum's defense is bad, and Aradan absolutely has to do better than saving 53.1% in order to dethrone the stuffy Valar.

The Relegate: The Havens (TTN - 27. OFF - 8. DEF - 29. GK - 28)

Defensively they were slightly worse than Hithlum, and offensively they are significantly weaker. Earendil is a great talent and Aegnor seemed to have a hot boot in the friendlies, but they don't have the offensive fire-power to go up against the 2 Valar teams, and make up for their huge defeciency on defense, like Hithlum does.

Round 1:
Hithlum 2 - 3 The Sea
The Havens 1 - 2 Valimar

Group E Prediction:
1. The Sea
2. Hithlum
3. Valimar
4. The Havens