[Boromir88]

TTN Predictions: Round 3

GROUP A

Armenelos vs. The Barrowdowns-
Now the Downs did well to spoil a pseudo-home victory for the Havens, but it won't be the same against Armenelos. Armenelos' physical and tactical prowess will be too much for the Downs, and considering the Valimar crowd have cause to protest the Downer fans, Armenelos may actually no longer be public enemy #1 in the Blessed Realm. *Armenelos wins 3-1.

Havens vs. Valimar-
The Havens really needed to win the Barrowdowns to advance. They might be good enough to draw with Valimar, but a draw won't be enough. And we don't see anyway Manwe, Arien and co. will let a playoff appearance slip away, when they're playing at home. *Valimar wins 2-1.

GROUP B

AC Beleriand vs Dwarves United-
Dwarves United doesn't have anymore tricks remaining up their sleeves. Their victory over Gondolin insures AC Beleriand won't overlook them as an easy opponent. But if they were shut out by Inter, AC Beleriand should get a confident shutout here. *ACBeleriand wins 2-0.

Inter Beleriand vs Gondolin-
TTN had predicted Gondolin to take 2nd place before the round robin, but a disappointing loss to Dwarves United has nearly dashed all hopes. Gondolin can still advance with a 2-goal victory, but all gameplay and stats show that is an extreme longshot. A one-goal victory by Gondolin would put the 2 in a virtual tie and then which one advances? Shootout to determine 2nd place? The reason Gondolin won't advance this year though, Rog. *Draw 2-2.

GROUP C

Shire-Bree United vs Real Valinor-
Shire-Bree is outclassed in every aspect of the game. Their only quality player able to keep up with a team of Valar and their friends is Gandalf. Against the Valar one might expect some type of "gentlemen's" approach, where they only play respectfully as not to embarrass Shire-Bree, but that's not consistent with Tulkas' teams. *Real Valinor wins 3-0.

Doriath vs Hithlum-
We do agree with AKM here, that despite the large differences in the payroll of both teams, thie will be a closer and a more intriguing battle. In the end Hithlum's an offensive powerhouse and Doriath is no Real Valinor to be able to keep it contained. *Hithlum wins 4-2.

GROUP D

Barad-Dur vs FC Valinor-
Group D is going to be a tough one to figure out this round. It's clear FC Valinor will sweep the group, but how hard will they press to wrack up goals against Barad-Dur? And Barad-Dur will surely be going all in...how much success they'll have, well we're not betting much. Although Sauron poses a more dangerous threat than Quickbeam and Eldacar. And the blue wizards are better equipped to take on the deadly duo of Celegorm and Curufin. *FC Valinor wins 3-1.

Gondor vs Isengard-
How hard will Isengard be trying on this game already eliminated is unknown. But also what must be considered is Sauron's part ownership of Isengard might give them enough spirit to play spoiler against Gondor. They'll be able to stay with Gondor on the field, but will they have enough motivation to push for a win? *Draw 2-2.

GROUP E

Erebor vs Misty Mts-
Here's the match TTN has been waiting to see. We predicted earlier, that we didn't like the make-up of the Erebor team this year and put Misty Mountains forward as the other qualifier. Both teams look dead even, so that gives evidence the Mountains will be able to hang with Erebor, but it also begs the question are they good enough to get the win? A draw will not be good enough. *Misty Mountains wins 3-2.

Eriador vs Wilderland-
Eriador doesn't have the same ability to score when needed, like last year, but their defense and Elrond is just as good as ever (which isn't surprising). Wilderland's a decent team, but they won't score 2 against Eriador, and thats what they will need. *Eriador wins 2-1.

GROUP F

Nargothrond vs Tirion-
This is going to be the group filled with the most anticipation. Nargothrond's playing much better than their form last year. Tirion is showing their quality now that they're not in a murderous group. It's unfortunate one of these 3 teams will miss the playoffs, be we haven't the slightest clue which one. We'll go with our beginning of year picks. *Nargothrond wins 3-2.

Minas Tirith vs The Sea-
It must be said The Sea has been a disappointment so far, granted they haven't lost. It's always hard to beat Ulmo's team, but in this group not losing (or even winning 1-0) might not be good enough. It's hard to think all that high payroll going down the drain if The Sea is eliminated, but that might happen. *The Sea wins 2-0.

GROUP G

Angband vs Imladris-
Angband bounced back nicely, behind their strong defensive efforts, and we don't expect Imladris to be able to pull off any surprises. They're all alone in a sea of baddies and have not lost their dignity or honour. But they're still losing. *Angband wins 1-0.

Angfauglith vs Tol-In-Gaurhoth-
Tol In Gaurhoth has looked sharper than anyone so far in this tournament and Angfauglith has serious problems in the mid-field. Angfauglith looks to be a tougher match-up defensively for the wolves and with advancement almost surely secure, perhaps TIG will be off on their game a bit and take it too easily. Draw 1-1.

GROUP H

Arnor vs Rohan-
Arnor did well in a comeback against Mordor and Rohan has looked like one of the worst teams in the tournament thus far. I mean I know teams like Minas Tirith and Imladris haven't scored, but they're also up against significantly tougher competition. Group H is the weakest this year and Rohan is still not playing very well. It'll be an interesting match if only because Dunedain vs. Rohanion royalty, so it will just be a good clean game showcasing the skills of both teams. But nothing memorable or special for the recordbooks. *Draw 2-2.

Anduin vs Mordor-
TTN picked Mordor as one of our longshot chances to advance out of Group H. Nearly everyone else had Mordor written off as easy fodder, but they've been a worthy and difficult opponent. It at least showed the Arda world Mordor could rise again if someone actually invested some more money into the team. But their key must win match was last round against Arnor, and they couldn't hold onto it. Andun has played up to their talent so far, and it's hard to see with an attack force of Grimbeorn, Eorl, Boromir II and Haldir that they'll be troubled by Mordor's defense that relies on fear and pure evil will. *Anduin wins 3-1.