[the phantom]

AMAN
-GK- Nienna
-DF- Vaire
-DF- Este
-DF- Nessa
*DF- Turgon
-MF- Irmo
-MF- Nahar
-MF- Earwen
*MF- Orome
-MF- Finarfin
-FW- Ar Pharazon

A mix of Ainu and Elves here, with a horse and man thrown in. Everyone is interested to see what Ar Pharazon will bring to the blessed realm following his championship success last year. He will be teamed with some good talent up front, but the team focus will be on defense for the most part.

BARAD-DUR
-GK- Mouth
-DF- Ohtar
-DF- Nazgul #5
-DF- Anarion
*DF- Nazgul #6
-MF- Fellbeast
-MF- Nazgul #7
-MF- Elendil
*MF- Gil-Galad
**FW- Sauron
-FW- Isildur

After helping bring the Arda Cup to Numenor last year, Sauron looks to deliver the same for his famed fortress. There to help him are several who fought against him in the second age, along with a few of his loyal minions. An unexpected blend certainly, but Sauron has already demonstrated his willingness to work with others in order to obtain football glory, and his followers will fall in line. Barad-Dur will likely play with a straight-forward style- balanced between offense and defense.

BARROW-DOWNS
-GK- Eomerwarg
-DF- Mira
-DF- Gwath
-DF- Steve
-DF- Skip Spence
-MF- Fea
-MF- Nerwen
-MF- Sally
-MF- The Phantom
-FW- Wilwa
-FW- Nogrod

After strong showings the past two years under the name Tol-In-Gaurhoth, the Barrow-Downs looks to take the next step towards the championship. Since their over-aggressive style got them into trouble in the past, look for them to go with a more balanced approach this time around. Helping this new mindset is the fact that they will not be playing as Werewolves, as well as actually getting in a couple of practices before the tournament begins.

BELERIAND
-GK- Halmir
-DF- Mim
-DF- Handir
-DF- Baragund
-DF- Belegund
-MF- Magor
-MF- Hathol
-MF- Manthor
-MF- Imlach
-MF- Bregolas
-FW- Marach

Coming from various teams throughout Beleriand, this group primarily from the ruling houses of the Edain has come together as one. Beleriand will lean on a quality possession game, and Captain Marach says that when they don’t have the ball their lockdown defensive style will be tough to handle.

BREELAND
-GK- Old Man Willow
-DF- Butterbur
-DF- Lumpkin
-DF- River-Woman
-DF- Roheryn
-MF- Harry
-MF- Goldberry
-MF- Halbarad
-FW- Barrow-Wight
*FW- Bombadil
-FW- Strider

Breeland is hoping to break through this year after adding a couple of rangers to their offense and a horse and pony to their back line. Also, naming Strider as the new captain will probably improve their preseason training, as old captain Bombadil was rather absent minded about that sort of thing. Look for them to employ their tactic of attacking at all times, with Strider likely to make the Bombadil-BW duo more potent by drawing some attention onto himself, or scoring himself if he is ignored.

BYWATER
-GK- Cotton
-DF- Nazgul #3
-DF- Ferny
-DF- Nazgul #2
**DF- Shadowfax
-MF- Fatty
-MF- Maggot
-MF- Gildor
**MF- Gandalf
-FW- Saruman
-FW- Bandobras

Don’t overlook the Shire this year, as the team they’re sending from Bywater features two wizards, two Nazgul, Shadowfax, and an assortment of sturdy hobbits. As usual, hobbits are legally allowed a maximum of two liters of ent-draught leading up to the Arda Cup, and Gandalf has been warned that using fireworks to blind opponents will get him carded immediately this year. Owing to the combined wisdom and experience of their players, Bywater will play a flexible style, locking down when ahead and attacking when behind.

DALE
-GK- Brand
-DF- Roac
-DF- Nain
-DF- Carc
-DF- Thror
-MF- Moneybags
-MF- Bard
-MF- Dain
-MF- Girion
-FW- Thranduil
-FW- Smaug

Many fans are concerned that old Mayor Moneybags will abandon the team mid-game and make off with all of the ticket sale profits, but team captain Smaug assured everyone that Moneybags will behave perfectly for fear of being roasted alive. Dale will be playing a straightforward game and banking on the skill of their forwards to win the day. Smaug is always dangerous, and Thranduil showed great promise last year as part of Mirkwood’s surprise run to the semis.

DOL GULDUR
-GK- Oropher
-DF- Tomnoddy
-DF- Thrain
-DF- Attercop
-MF- Galion
-MF- Grimbeorn
*MF- Beorn
*MF- Khamul
-FW- Radagast
-FW- Bolg
*FW- Witch King

With the group of FWs and MFs that Dol Guldur has, it isn’t surprising that they’ll be attacking every minute of each match. At the back they’re hoping that the addition of two spiders will give them enough stopping power to get the job done, allowing them to simply outscore the opposition. Some are concerned though that Tomnoddy and Attercop may be easily distracted by “Bilboish tactics”, such as opponents repeatedly calling their names, particularly when paired with dancing and throwing rocks.

DORIATH
*GK- Melian
-DF- Elured
-DF- Nimloth
-DF- Elurin
-DF- Algund
-MF- Saeros
-MF- Nellas
-MF- Daeron
-MF- Haldir
-FW- Haleth
-FW- Thingol

In order to fill the spots on his roster, Thingol has allowed several “baseborn mortals” from the forest next door to join his team, though he denied requests from a couple of talented dwarves. It looks like this small influx of differing characters and styles will allow Doriath to be more flexible rather than being a strictly defensive team, and relying completely upon the highly skilled Melian to turn aside the opposition.

EITHEL SIRION
-GK- Maglor
-DF- Gundor
-DF- Aegnor
-DF- Galdor
*DF- Angrod
-MF- Bregor
-MF- Nienor
-MF- Gwindor
*MF- Hador
-FW- Fingon
*FW- Maedhros

The northern fortress is back and looking to make a splash with a more than solid assembly of Elves and Men. With no known quarrels existing between the players and much experience between them, Eithel Sirion ought to feature good team play on top of their excellent talent. Look for balance from them at all times.

GELION
-GK- Dior
-DF- Haldar
-DF- Azaghal
-DF- Caranthir
*DF- Luthien
-MF- Denethor
-MF- Bereg
-MF- Lenwe
-MF- Haldad
-MF- Amlach
-FW- Beren

For a first-time team Gelion has managed to attract several quality players who usually play for other squads in Beleriand. Though Beren and Luthien have had their troubles with Celegorm and Curufin, it appears that they are getting on well with Caranthir, and thus their back line is looking particularly good. Besides the talent present there the overall mindset is quite defensive as well, so that’s definitely where they will try and gain their wins.

GONDOLIN
-GK- Huor
-DF- Salgant
-DF- Asfaloth
-DF- Rochallor
*DF- Thorondor
-MF- Ecthelion
-MF- Glorfindel
*MF- Eol
-FW- Fingolfin
-FW- Aredhel
*FW- Maeglin

Gondolin has strong talent and playoff experience across the board, so opponents had better come prepared to play all phases of the game. With their wide distribution of talent, Gondolin will play extremely balanced football, though if they fall behind they have a higher offensive gear to shift into.

GONDOR
-GK- Romendacil
-DF- Fastred
-DF- Ondoher
-DF- Folcred
-MF- Meneldil
-MF- Ostoher
-MF- Narmacil
-MF- Hyarmendacil
*MF- Beruthiel
-FW- Eldacar
-FW- Mardil

Gondor has tweaked their line and brought back the unpopular Beruthiel in hopes that her solid experience with other teams the past two seasons can benefit them. She will not be in a position to run wild, however, as Gondor is committed to defense first.

GORGOROTH
-GK- Shelob
-DF- Gorbag
-DF- Grishnakh
-DF- Shagrat
*DF- Nazgul #1
-MF- Angamaite
-MF- Gollum
-MF- Sangahyando
*MF- King of the Dead
-FW- Earnur
-FW- Castamir

The “other” Mordor team is not one to overlook, featuring a blend of crafty orcs, powerful men, and a couple of skilled undead. And of course there’s the fearsome Shelob in the goal, whose defensive webs are not easily pierced (not a literal phrase of course- the Arda Cup committee has banned players from covering the goal with any sort of obstacle, such as spider-webs). Look for the team to support her as their strategy.

HAVENS
-GK- Olwe
-DF- Lindo
-DF- Amandil
-DF- Eriol
-MF- Ar Gimilzor
-MF- Tar Aldarion
-MF- Elwing
-MF- Uinen
*MF- Cirdan
*FW- Earendil
-FW- Tar Minastir

Havens is a very diverse team, featuring all sorts of sea-faring individuals, including Tar Minastir, whose goal-scoring was an important part of Armenelos’s championship last season. Expect them to push the ball upfield aggressively at nearly every opportunity, where the proven hammers at the front will look to rack up the goals.

ITHILIEN
-GK- Mumakil
-DF- Samwise
-DF- Adrahil
-DF- Bergil
-DF- Mablung
-MF- Elboron
-MF- Damrod
-MF- Frodo
-MF- Anborn
-MF- Beregond
-FW- Faramir

Ithilien’s team is well versed in tactics of stealth and secrecy (though they have been banned from wearing camouflage on the pitch). Look for them to plan their rare attacks carefully while playing a frustrating defensive game. Mumakil in goal is an unknown, but Captain Faramir hopes the sheer girth of the beast will make things difficult on the opposition.

LORIEN
*GK- Galadriel
-DF- Finglas
-DF- Nimrodel
-DF- Orophin
-DF- Amroth
-MF- Fimbrethil
-MF- Rumil
-MF- Fladrif
-MF- Haldir
-MF- Amdir
-FW- Celeborn

Lorien looks to be a strong and wise team overall after adding a few ents to the roster, and the ents ought to be extremely comfortable playing alongside Elves. As usual Lorien will be dedicated to defense, and with their line-tweaks Galadriel hopes that she’ll get some help this year.

MINAS ANOR
-GK- Ecthelion II
-DF- Golasgil
-DF- Dervorin
-DF- Calimehtar
*DF- Pippin
-MF- Siriondil
-MF- Denethor II
-MF- Earnil II
*MF- Nazgul #4
-FW- Falastur
-FW- Boromir I

The tower of guard is back under its old name, Minas Anor, and hoping that the name change signifies brighter days. To help they have recalled the ever likable Pippin and others to service, and with this array of talent and no clear strength, expect a flexible style suited to all foes.

MISTY MOUNTAINS
-GK- Watcher
-DF- Tom
-DF- Landroval
-DF- Meneldor
-DF- Durin
-MF- Bert
-MF- Great Goblin
-MF- William
-MF- Narvi
-MF- Gwaihir
-FW- Azog

Eagles, dwarves, trolls, and orcs come together to make a brutish looking team. Their defensive play is likely to be bruising, and in fact overall they will look for their size and strength to make up for strategy. Their most calculating players they have placed at the front in recognition of the fact that it often takes some guile to change the scoreboard.

MITHRIM
**GK- Huan
-DF- Annael
-DF- Gelmir
*DF- Celegorm
**DF- Curufin
-MF- Androg
-MF- Morwen
-MF- Aradan
-FW- Hurin
-FW- Beleg
**FW- Turin

Together again- the dynamic duo of Turin and Beleg are back, but this time joined by the steadfast Hurin up front. At the back the sons of Feanor and their old pal Huan will make their presence known to opposing forwards. This team looks to have the talent to challenge teams defensively and offensively without having to emphasize either one, though they have that extra offensive gear to use should they fall behind. Given the skill of their defense, the forwards will be freed up to do as they please.

NARGOTHROND
-GK- Beor
-DF- Baran
-DF- Arminas
-DF- Baranor
*DF- Celebrimbor
-MF- Guillen
-MF- Boron
-MF- Finduilas
-MF- Barahir
**MF- Finrod
-FW- Mablung

Sporting a solid line punctuated by a couple exceptional talents, Nargothrond will be tough to crack. As expected under Finrod’s leadership, Nargothrond will be careful and guarded with their play, and tough as nails defensively. And should they encounter a team featuring a dragon, Finrod swears that they will not use the ill-fated “bridge maneuver” this time around.

NORBURY
-GK- Arvedui
-DF- Valandur
-DF- Arveleg
-DF- Malvegil
-DF- Amlaith
-MF- Argeleb
-MF- Tarcil
-MF- Valandil
*MF- Malbeth
-FW- Aranarth
-FW- Araphor

The northern descendants of the Numenoreans have shown some good talent in the past, but this time they think they have their team tweaked just right for a deeper run in the tournament. They will play their usual style, flexible and minimizing errors, ready to capitalize on those made by their opponents.

NUMENOR
*GK- Tar Atanamir
-DF- Tar Meneldur
-DF- Ar Zimrathan
-DF- Tar Cirytan
**DF- Tar Telperien
-MF- Tar Calmacil
-MF- Tar Ancalimon
-MF- Tar Miriel
**MF- Elros
-FW- Tar Palantir
-FW- Ar Adunakhor

The defending champs are back, this time playing as Numenor rather than Armenelos. The team looks a bit different, however, losing all three of their forwards (Ar Pharazon to Aman, Sauron to Barad-Dur, Tar Minastir to Havens). Losing three players of that caliber is certainly a blow, but replacing them are the three best players from last year’s solid Romenna squad, and the talent already present is certainly nothing to take lightly. Thus Numenor expects to fare well yet again with their balanced style.

PELENNOR
-GK- Theoden
-DF- Forlong
-DF- Windfola
-DF- Snowmane
-DF- Gothmog II
-MF- Gimli
-MF- Grimbold
-MF- Duinhir
-FW- Eowyn
-FW- Legolas
-FW- Imrahil

Teams spring up in all sorts of unexpected places, including this one which sprang from the fields before the gates of Minas Tirith. They feature quality talent and have a good team spirit, and will attack without hesitation at all times. Not surprisingly, their team motto is, “Leave it all out on the field!” Of course, players like Theoden hope that the fate that awaits him on the field is one other than the one he found upon Pelennor.

RIVENDELL
**GK- Elrond
-DF- Thorin
-DF- Galdor
-DF- Celebrian
*DF- Erestor
-MF- Bilbo
-MF- Elrohir
-MF- Elladen
*MF- Arwen
-MF- Arahael
-FW- Boromir II

Rivendell teams have always shown great unity and a flare for defense, and Elrond says that this year’s team is no different. They will try to lock down from beginning to end and score when an opportunity presents itself, simple as that.

ROHAN
-GK- Fram
-DF- Stybba
-DF- Firefoot
*DF- Felarof
-MF- Merry
-MF- Hallas
-MF- Frumgar
-MF- Cirion
-MF- Helm
-FW- Eomer
-FW- Eorl

Last year’s Edoras team put on an amazing defensive show through group play, but the goalkeeper (Theoden) and one of the defensive stars (Shadowfax) have departed, and so has the valuable Eowyn. But Eorl has found quality players to plug the holes, including a couple of solid additions from nearby Helm’s Deep. He also feels that the steed Firefoot is ready to step up and fill the void left by Shadowfax, and has recalled Merry Brandybuck, knight of the Mark, to serve the kingdom.

THANGORODRIM
-GK- Carcharoth
-DF- Gorlim
-DF- Drauglin
-DF- Uldor
*DF- Glaurung
-MF- Ulfang
-MF- Ulwarth
-MF- Ulfast
**MF- Durin’s Bane
*FW- Scatha
-FW- Ancalagon

Many Angband fans put up quite a fit when Melkor departed to sign with Valinor last year, and more still grumbled this year upon hearing that he intended to restart his old Utumno squad, and to make matters worse he stole many players which looked like they might play for Thangorodrim- Telvildo, Thuringwethil, Gothmog, and several Balrogs. In addition Hurin has gone back to Mithrim, Maeglin to Gondolin, and Gwindor to Eithel Sirion. But just when things looked hopeless, it was announced that there would be a dragon reunion! Scatha came from Mirkwood and Glaurung from Nargothrond to join with Ancalagon, and the next announcement- Durin’s Bane was at last coming back from Moria! Now Angband fans can look forward to seeing a quality side which will attack and attack again without mercy.

TIRION
-GK- Aule
-DF- Amras
-DF- Indis
-DF- Amrod
-MF- Orodreth
-MF- Mahtan
-MF- Ingwe
*MF- Nerdanel
-FW- Finwe
**FW- Feanor
*FW- Miriel

When a team has a prolific offense but still is unable to advance, the normal strategy would be to shore up the defense or revise to a less risky playing style. But Tirion (formerly Tuna) has taken the opposite route, attempting to add to their already top-tier offense in the form of Feanor. Will he be like throwing wood on a fire and smothering it, or will he be like adding gasoline? Fans can’t wait to find out. In the meantime, Tirion appears to be just as attack heavy as ever, except perhaps that Feanor has brought with him the mindset of locking down after building a lead.

UTUMNO
*GK- Ungoliant
-DF- Balrog #1
-DF- Balrog #2
-DF- Balrog #3
**DF- Balrog #4
-MF- Balrog #5
-MF- Telvildo
-MF- Thuringwethil
**MF- Melkor
-FW- Tilion
-FW- Gothmog

After a spectacular performance for Valimar that in the end proved fruitless, Melkor has decided to form a team of his own, and many have flocked to his call, including a couple of his teammates from last year. Also rejoining him is his chief balrog and several of his brothers, as well as Telvildo and Thuringwethil. This team is loaded top to bottom, and will follow the strategy of getting a lead and then shutting down the opponent.

VALIMAR
*GK- Namo
-DF- Vana
-DF- Pallando
-DF- Alatar
**DF- Manwe
-MF- Ilmare
-MF- Yavanna
-MF- Tulkas
**MF- Varda
-MF- Arien
-FW- Eonwe

Despite losing some heavy hitters, the Valimar squad doesn’t look likely to take a step back after adding the best of Taniquetil to their side. As with most Manwe-led teams, Valimar will be fairly defensive minded, though this time around due to the influence of last year’s holdovers the team will be better suited to come back from a deficit when necessary.

VINYAMAR
-GK- Rog
-DF- Osse
-DF- Galdor
-DF- Salmar
**DF- Ulmo
-MF- Voronwe
-MF- Egalmoth
-MF- Idril
-MF- Duilin
-FW- Tuor
-FW- Penlod

A great many lords of Gondolin have returned to their original home by the sea, and as he did of old, Ulmo has joined them there once again. And as an extra benefit, the lord of the waters has been joined by two of his vassals, Osse and Salmar, making the defense look quite formidable indeed. Vinyamar, while capable up and down the line, will look first to their defense to win matches.

WOLD
-GK- Hama
-DF- Elfwine
-DF- Beechbone
-DF- Lightfoot
*DF- Treebeard
-MF- Aldor
-MF- Grima
-MF- Theodred
-MF- Ugluk
*MF- Quickbeam
-FW- Eomund

The denizens of Isengard, Fangorn, and Rohan have met out upon the Wold and melded into a single team. They hope to be as crafty as orcs, as hardy and strong as ents, and as forward and dashing as the men of Rohan. Captain Treebeard has made defense the focus of this squad, and has instituted a policy of not being hasty, but rather careful and opportunistic.

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GROUP A
Aman
Beleriand
Ithilien
Vinyamar

GROUP B
Barad-Dur
Barrow-Downs
Breeland
Gorgoroth

GROUP C
Mithrim
Nargothrond
Norbury
Pelennor

GROUP D
Dale
Eithel Sirion
Gelion
Rohan

GROUP E
Misty Mountains
Numenor
Rivendell
Utumno

GROUP F
Bywater
Lorien
Thangorodrim
Valimar

GROUP G
Doriath
Gondolin
Gondor
Wold

GROUP H
Dol Guldur
Havens
Minas Anor
Tirion

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