Group G
Predicted Standings
1. Valinor
2. Pelori
3. Gondolin
4. Beleriand
Matches from this group will be some of the best the Arda Cup has to offer at this stage. While The Vala teams will be the front runners, the other 2 teams are no slouches and can perhaps have a few surprises up their sleeves.
While Pelori went undefeated and Valinor lost a game, Valinor looks stronger at both offense and defense. They created more chances, scored more goals, and allowed the fewest number of shots on goal. And we're not talking a small difference, Valinor ranks 9th on OFF, 1st DEF, compared to Pelori's 15th and 17th. Significant differences there. The edge in GK belongs to Pelori as nothing was getting passed Manwe. Although, you wonder if he can stand up to Valinor's impressive trio of beauties leading their attack.
Poor Gondolin and Beleriand, good enough to seriously contend for advancement in all other groups, except this one. But there's nothing about these two teams that I can see them dominating. Even if Halmir and Rog were good GKs, Manwe and Ingwe were even better. Defensively, again not bad, but not as dominant as Valinor. We will give the a decent shot of knocking out Pelori, it all depends on what Manwe's motivation will be, continue beating teams kindly or handing everything over to the will of Eru?
Round 1 Predictions
Beleriand vs. Pelori - Beleriand managed to score in every one of their friendlies, and it's not like they played junk defenses. Even if you'd have to question the amount of effort Tol Eressea, Numenor, and Angband put into their matches against Beleriand, getting a goal against all those defenses (and the sturdy GKs) is nothing to scoff out. They can score 1. The key will be does Pelori want to push for 2 goals, and can Beleriand hold them to 1? For the sake of making this group convoluted.
Draw 1-1
Gondolin vs. Valinor - You always question how committed a team will be after winning a championship, and whether they will have the same focus and passion the next year. Interesting thing about Gondolin, despite the city winning the Cup, I believe only Thorondor remains from the championship year. So all the Gondolin players shouldn't have a question about their focus, as they weren't the ones who brought the Arda Cup to the hidden city. In fact, the players from Vinyamar may have a bit of fire after finishing 2nd last year. So, I don't question Gondolin's passion, but I do question their talent.
Valinor wins 2-1
Phantasy spin -
GK - All these golies performed well in the friendlies, and Rog was the highest point GK last year for Vinyamar. So in this order, if I were to take a keeper from this group I'd probably go with: Rog, Manwe, Ingwe, then Halmir.
DF - Gamil Zirak showed some offensive ability in the friendlies, and the Beleriand team is extremely focused on defense. And actually all the defenders in this group would make pretty good choices. I would just caution to pick the defense that happens to be playing Valinor in whatever round, because Valinor has also shown they can score some goals. Mandos, Tulkas, and Indis scored the most points in the friendlies from this group, all picking up 12.
MF - Varda, Yavanna, and Turgon have all been impressive scorers. Varda is usually safe for 2 goals and an assist for the 3 group stage games, although she's not going to score like Hurin and Eol are capable of, so for a 1-star? Eh, I'd rather have Hurin or Eol. The more offensive minded team of Valinor, Olwe and Yavanna could make nice steals, since they don't cost anything. And I still wonder how Idril has no stars, she always puts up goals. There is probalby more risk with Angrod and Aegnor since you can't really be sure how well Beleriand will fare against the teams in this group.
FW - From this group, I don't think it's worth taking up a spot with Marach or the Gondolin pair. Although from Pelori, Eonwe is a Herald on and off the field, and the Valinor trio is probably the most dangerous group of FWs in this tournament. (Or it can certainly be argued those ladies are one of the best!)
Group G
Predicted Standings
1. Lothlorien
2. Minas Morgul
3. Minas Tirith
4. Dunharrow
This is similar to Eregion's group, where Lothlorien should win simply based on the quality of their players. However the strategy of Galadriel may lead to Lothloriend undoing. While we would be shocked if Lothlorien did not get first, we wouldn't be greatly surprised. However, to not advance at all, that would be a true sign that new management needs to step into the Golden Wood. They're the safest bet for 1 of the 2 playoff spots, and mostly likely the best bet for 1st. This is based solely on natural ability, not from a "wise" strategy.
The challengers then? The Witch-King's teams have a long history of making it into the playoffs. I picked against them last year, and while it didn't hurt me (only temporarily wounded my ego and kept me out of the lead for a bit), I can't pick against MM this year, especially looking at the other competitors. Minas Morgul outshot all their opponents in the friendly and just had some of the lowsiest luck I've ever seen. (A lot of that had to do with Earnur though). And if you thought Minas Morgul was all out attack in the friendlies, just wait for these games to start, and the Witch-King decides to put even more effort into an all out attack.
Next then? Well nothing looks particularly good about Minas Tirith or Dunharrow. Minas Tirith were mediocre at best, and Dunharrow were even worse. I thought for sure the strength of Minas Tirith would be their familial-styled mid field but where did Eowyn go? How did she become this angry one wonders? 4 yellows in 4 games, and we've never seen that from the Shieldmaiden. Is it possible she's unhappy with her marriage to Faramir, or the real reason Aragorn has not returned to Minas Tirith is because Arwen wouldn't allow it while Eowyn was on the team? Hold on, we at TTN are higher than these spurious rumors...yes, definitely. This type of stuff belongs in that trash
The Underground.
Dunharrow? Who?
Round 1 Predictions
Lothlorien vs. Minas Morgul - If Galadriel wants to play counter attack football, than this is going to be a nightmare match up for the Witch-King I have to say. Lothlorien's defenders are certainly strong enough to keep Minas Morgul at bay, and Minas Morgul always leave themselves open to huge counters. Feanor should have a field day running all over this Minas Morgul defense.
Lothlorien wins 3-1
Dunharrow vs. Minas Tirith - After the 1st game I wonder how much interest there will be in this game? Because really, these two teams are just fodder for Lothlorien and Minas Morgul in the next round. Oh my, am I getting grouchy as the day grows older. Sorry Minas Tirith fans, I can't be a homer (although I do wonder how much longer TTN will keep me on if I at least don't believe the White City can get the best of some bewitched mountain).
Minas Tirith wins 2-1
Phantasy spin -
GK - The only GK I would consider adding to my team would be Galadriel, but from past years she's been rather over-rated. She likes to try to be the star of every match by having to make a dramatic show out of all her saves. There's no doubt she can, but if you're going to be such a big show off, atleast do better than 77.8%
DF - Go all Lothlorien if you want any of the defenders from this group. I don't know if Gandalf will be worth that 2-star cost, obviously Lothlorien will have a shut down defense, but from your 2-star DF you want someone who can get a goal a/o an assist here and there. Tar Telperien does this, Morgoth can, but I'm not sure Gandalf can. Celeborn, Shadowfax, and Amroth though are nice, cheap options.
MF - I don't think there's a MF worth the spot in this group...hmm Legolas may be, since he is a scoring threat, but how much of a threat in Lothlorien's system is yet to be seen. You have to think someone needs to help Feanor though, and Legolas has this ability.
FW - Obviously it's Feanor. He will still perform great in this group (looking at the inferior competition), even if he's reigned in by Galadriel. Not sure I'd want him though on my team in the playoffs, where the competition will inevitably be tougher, at least not until I see if Legolas, Boromir II, and Haldir provide a bit of support for him.