[Boromir88]

GROUP - ROUND 2 PREDICTIONS
BoroLXXXVIII Two Towers Network

After the atrocious friendly predictions I had, glad to know I'm right where I left off last year. The only team I said would win, but didn't was Minas Tirith. And I thought Himring vs Shire-Bree and Mordor vs Nargothrond would end in draws. However, I under-estimated how mismatched the hobbits were, and I over-estimated Nargothrond's ability based on previous years. I'll take 13/16 for round 1 and the predicted scores were all over the place, but those will become more accurate with time.

Group A

Shire-Bree United vs Tirion - First Himring, now Tirion, and they haven't even gotten to the favorites to win the group yet, Doriath. No fools hope left for the hobbits, they're going to get steam rolled again.
Tirion wins 4-1

Doriath vs Himring - Since Doriath will likely win this game, there's a lot riding on it for round 3. Doriath would already advance, which would leave one playoff spot open in the Himring vs. Tirion battle next round. Oooh excitment. But for the task at hand, Doriath takes care of business.
Doriath wins 3-1

Group B
The two playoff teams for this group could very easily be decided in this round, if Misty Mts and Wilderland win their matches. Which would just leave who gets 1st and 2nd in a thrilling Round 3 match between Misty Mts and Wilderland.

Anduin vs Misty Mts - Anduin's been a respectable and competive opponent, not only because of the 2-2 draw against the Misty Mts in the friendly, but they played even with Wilderland for most of the game. However, Anduin's scoring is way too reliant on how furious their star bear can get.
Misty Mts wins 2-1

Esgaroth vs Wilderland - If Smaug toasted Lake-Town can you imagined what another dragon and Sauron will do to it? Another embarassing loss for the Lake-men.
Wilderland wins 3-0

Group C

Angband vs The Downer - The Downer won't be able to intimidate or creep out Angband. Seriously, we're talking about Morgoth here, to beat Morgoth you need to be fair and crafty, not grotesque and erratic.
Angband wins 2-0

Angfauglith vs Hithlum - Another group where the two playoff teams can be determined at the end of this round, unless Hithlum has some tricks left. They were able to play even with Angband for a half, so they definitely shouldn't be overlooked.
Angfauglith wins 3-1

Group D

Eriador vs Gondor - This is a big game, and more important to Eriador who ends group play against the very strong Eregion. Still, Gondor needs points and can't lose this game or they will be eliminated. And Araphor really needs to start showing up or Eriador won't advance. Pressure on both teams, it should be a great game to watch.
Draw 2-2

Barad-Dur vs Eregion - I don't think anyone in this group has the skill or power to beat Elrond. While Earendil and Glorfindel will have no difficulty facing the baddie defenders on Barad-dur. Another comfortable win for Eregion.
Eregion wins 2-0

Group E

Nargothrond vs Tol In Gaurhoth - The werewolves are back and just as vicious as ever. Nargothrond will be a slightly tougher opponent do to better organization, and Glaurung will be hard for the wolves to control. However, do to Nargothrond's severe lack of star power, they're just another speed bump in the way for TIG to sweep the group.
TIG wins 2-1

Mordor vs The Forest - Big game for both teams. If Mordor wins they can have advancement wrapped up (assuming TIG wins too). The Forest can't lose, but at least should be a better match up than the vile werewolves.
The Forest wins 3-2

Group F

Tol Eressea vs Westernesse - Ulmo's defense is just as strong as last year, but I'm afraid it won't be strong enough to stop Westernesse. One of the other giants of tournament (even though their star power wouldn't indicate that). This group is coming down to which offense can score against the defenses? Westernesse's can, Tol Eressea's cant.
Westernesse wins 1-0

Mithrim vs Numenor - I won't add on to the abuse Mithrim is taking in the media for that 4-0 embarrassment. Fortunately Numenor is only a shadow of their Westernesse kin, and they may be able to salvage some honor with a goal. Mithrim will still lose, so not much of a victory.
Numenor wins 2-1

Group G

Gondolin vs Pelori - Well now the games of this group have a wrench thrown into it with Pelori's draw against Beleriand. It's vital Pelori wins here, they need a good points lead as they face Valinor in the final round. But, I'm not as confident about their advancement as I was before Round 1. Manwe's conservativeness may cost this team the playoffs.
Pelori wins 2-1

Beleriand vs Valinor - Nice job forging a draw against Pelori, you can see the dwarves, elves, and men have really rallied together for the dubious disappearance of the Nogrodian boats. That was good enough against Pelori, but it won't be good enough against the more talented Valinoreans.
Valinor wins 3-1

Group H

Lothlorien vs Minas Tirith - Lothlorien looked good in their victory against Minas Morgul and Minas Tirith should prove to go down just as easily. Even though there are some signs that the entire team isn't moving in the same direction. Still, if Lothlorien continues to win, the fans will continue spending money on their team, and Galadriel will likely be forced into being more tolerant of Feanor. Once something goes wrong, you can bet Galadriel will tighten her grip.
Lothlorien wins 2-0

Dunharrow vs Minas Morgul - Here's Dunharrow's chance to knock their rival out of the playoffs, so they will come out inspired on by the passionate Rohirrim. Problem is, Minas Morgul is too good to be contained by Dunharrow as they were against Lothlorien.
Minas Morgul wins 3-2