[Boromir88]

GROUP E
Numenor vs. Utumno-
Utumno will be playing their best to stay in first, and also because there shouldn't be much love with Numenor. They've been able to blank Misty Mountains and Rivendell, but Numenor does provide a bit more offensive power. Numenor's 10.3% scoring percentage however is far from intimidating and a big drop-off from last year. Defensively, the Numenoreans have been just as stout as Utumno, but Tar Atanamir has conceded a goal where Ungoliant's been perfect.

Utumno wins 1-0.

Misty Mountains vs. Rivendell-
Misty Mountains will probably leave the tournament without a goal but their defense has actually allowed opponents fewer chances than Rivendell. The only reason Rivendell is still in the playoff picture is because of Elrond. Also Rivendell has created fewer scoring chances than Misty Mountains. Despite the numbers being slightly in Misty's favor, Rivendell is still the superior team and I would be shocked if they don't win. The key difference is the Watcher does too much watching at goal, and not enough saving.

Rivendell wins 1-0.

GROUP F
Bywater vs. Lorien-
Lorien's in an interesting position, since they've already been eliminated from the playoffs they could tank the game to give Bywater the chance to leap frog Thangorodrim. For all the teams in this group despise that one, but to think games would be intentionally rigged by the teams, playing politics with sports, is sickening. Bywater's defense is pretty strong, but Cotton isn't a shutdown goalie and will probably concede 1 goal as usual. Although Bywater will get plenty of chances to test Galadriel, who has been playing less than advertised throughout the tourney.

Bywater wins 2-1.

Thangorodrim vs. Valimar-
For as much as AKM has tried to build up controversy with Valimar trying to get Bywater into the playoffs, they are forgetting the simple fact that Thangorodrim is a darn good team. They certainly are not going to allow the Valar to roll right over them and hand 2nd place to Bywater, as if their fate is already written. Having said that, Valimar is motivated this year in a way that we've never seen, and no one wants to go up against angry, motivated Valar. I can see this game possibly ending in a draw with how much Thangorodrim presses, but in Valimar, I can't see Manwe's defense giving up 2-goals. 1 will be hard enough for Thangorodrim to come by.

Valimar wins 2-1.

GROUP G
Gondolin vs. Gondor-
Gondolin will continue being the class of the group because they still have a much desired 1st place to win. Also, I don't think Gondolin will mess around with Gondor, as they did against Doriath. Gondor's going to be stiff competition, and I think well see a close (or even tied game) for 60-70 minutes. Then Gondolin's superiority and stamina will finally wear them down. For the teams who advance out of Group B, I would not want to play either one of these guys right now.

Gondolin wins 3-1.

Doriath vs. Wold-
Game means absolutely nothing, and I think we are more likely going to see a friendly-style type of game, since there is respect between both teams. Both teams will want to leave on some type of high-note, so it might end in a tie. However, Doriath hasn't been able to score period, when was the last match they did get a goal?

Wold wins 1-0.

GROUP H
Minas Anor vs. Tirion-
Minas Anor had a great chance to stun the host crowd and boot them from the playoffs, but they fell apart at the end. I haven't seen a team collapse that bad in the last 10 minutes...ever! Perhaps Minas Anor has too much pride to give up compmletely, but I can't imagine anyone bouncing back with a strong performance after that devastating loss. Tirion is Tirion, and they are also in, as well as most likely in first place. Since they are virtually a lock for first, I imagine Feanor will call off the full-out attack and pretty much work on the defensive side of the ball. They won't score more than 3 goals in this one, but it would be most un-wise not to have one of their FWs or attacking MFs on your phantasy teams come playoff time.

Tirion wins 2-0.

Dol Guldur vs. Havens-
This is going to be the highlight match of Round 3. Can the Witch-King, on his 3rd different team in as many years advance them to the playoffs? Or has Olwe finally put together the winning formula to advance his team for the first time? I can say for certain that no lead is safe when you're playing Dol Guldur. The Havens will jump out to a lead, but they can't just pull back and take a barage of shots like Minas Anor did, and expect to win. The good news is, Havens are more dangerous on offense than Minas Anor and will be willing to attack more. Once falling behind, Dol Guldur will find it much more difficult to take the lead, not because they won't be able to score on Olwe, but they will have a hard time stopping Tar Minastir and company themselves!

Havens wins 4-2.