Doriath vs
Nargothrond
[Projected formation.
Doriath in silver and blue;
Nargothrond in green and yellow.]
Formation:
For the first time, at least in this group, we’ll see a battle of even numbers in the midfield: Nellas, Daeron, and Galadhon for Doriath vs Orodreth, Finduilas, and Barahir for Nargothrond. However Doriath also have Beleg and Lúthien in wide midfielder roles. So far they have been unable to help their teammates in the centre, but that's because they had to pin down the attacking fullbacks of AC Beleriand and Anfauglith. And Nargothrond has none of those. So expect Doriath to gain advantage in midfield.
Tactics:
But would Doriath turn it into an advantage in possession? They’re up against a potent offensive squad that attacks from deep (midfield runners Orodreth and Finduilas) and wide (winger Gwindor). When Doriath faced AC Beleriand, a team with offensive capabilities comparable to Nargothrond, they chose to absorb the pressure and play on the break, resulting in a draw. When they played a more attacking style against Anfauglith, they lost to a counterattack. So a wiser course of action for Doriath seems to be to play defensive with two banks of four and attack in transition. Nargothrond’s back four has been woeful when left to their own devices—note the four-goal explosion of AC Beleriand when Nargothrond’s midfield tried to press higher, leaving their defenders without protection.
The only other tactical consideration of note would be Melian’s position in the back four: should she mark Glaurung in the centre or move to left back and exploit Finrod’s movement to push forward? Gwindor’s right wing runs would most likely be met by the pacey Nimloth.
AC Beleriand vs
Anfauglith
[Projected formation.
AC Beleriand in red and white;
Anfauglith in black and brown.]
Formation:
There is little to comment on the two side’s formation: an extremely defensive 4-5-1 against an offensive 4-4-2 diamond. Fingolfin and Ecthelion would both be free to move from the back line to help in AC Beleriand’s offence, and Beren would be a constant threat with his runs from midfield, turning AC Beleriand into an old-school 2-3-5 when they have the ball.
Tactics:
The first tactical question of this game would be: Will AC Beleriand come and play? Even with a draw, they would advance first and avoid a first-round meeting with Eriador, whereas Anfauglith needs a win to avoid the Elrond-led squad. The problem is that Anfauglith has no options for an all-out attack. Thuringwethil is a fine forward on the break, when she is left with four markers at most, but she cannot outplay eight defensive-minded players on her own. Galdor has shown in the Doriath game that he can exploit space left behind by fullbacks charging forward, but he can’t create his own space.
If AC Beleriand decides to play, the next question would be: How would Anfauglith stop them? An on-form Fëanor can turn circles around Balrog #2 and Borlach, and the full back Balrogs would have their hands full with Ecthelion and Fingolfin’s forward runs. Eöl would then be left free to find space and create chances for Fëanor and Beren. So it would require a balancing act from Anfauglith's midfielders: exploit the space left behind by the attacking fullbacks, but be diligent enough to guard against attacks from the midfield. Someone (most likely Gorgol) would also have to pick Eöl up when he drops deep.