A super slow day at work, so thought I'd put the time to good use and make a supplement to upnorth's predictions. Gonna do a short follow up of the first half of the season, and will try to be as objective as possible(as always).
Will look at the week 9 top games too, and will try and make a preview without an exact score prediction.
Hope its not too much with the "real" predictions aswell, but im bored so gonna go for it
Halfway point breakdown
It has been a turbulent season so far, and not everyone has come out on the other side of week 8 as comfortably as they had expected, while other teams have surprised with above expected performances. The many A teams promoted, and the forum activity coming with them, seem to have lit a spark in AA#1 which is now an active, friendly and competitive league like never before. It was evident in the pre-season that many teams had high ambitions, and altho it is too early to say anything definite, we do have a fairly good picture of the strength of each team, altho league placements atm arent worth much with the difference in schedule strength. In Lion, the 4 projected top teams have all done well, with only 3 combined losses. Both Bob, Katanga, RSW and Cape Verde have looked strong and are still favorites to take the #1-#4. In Elephant, the Promoted teams seem to have taken control, with Richmond and RMoG leading the table in a convincing manner. 4 of the 5 top teams currently are promoted teams, and the seasoned AA teams must be scratching their head to figure out how to stop them. We could very well end up with 4 promoters getting home field games, a scenario that no one would have believed before game 1. So in conclusion; Lion seems to be going along as expected, while Elephant is more up than down(Compared to pre-season rankings and general perception)
What's HOT and what's NOT:
HOT
1) Promoted teams - The promoted teams have done far better than any of the AA teams would ever have guessed. Richmond and RMoG stand out as the top of the pack, and look to both have good chances of taking the #1 seed in their conference
2) Katanga Diamonds - Have beaten all competition with solid performances, and at this time looks like the #1 favorite to take the LION conference title
3) Me - Obviously
NOT
1) EEORG - After statements like "EEORG, the only team that matters" and "20-0 baby, mark it down", EEORG has to be the biggest disappointment so far in AA#1. Even tho they are the only team that has challenged Richmond in a blast of a match, and have had a tough schedule, the fact remains that they are 4-4 after 8 weeks, and will have a tough time climbing back to the top. They have a quality team and its by no means possible. But it gotta start now, as another loss cant be tolerated.
2) Burundi Hutu - Expectations to this team was big before the season started, but a series of bad luck and the coaching staff partying late before games has meant that they are currently 3-5, and thats without facing a single of the "Big 4". Play-offs look like an uphill battle for the Hutu boys atm, and something extraordinary has to happen to turn this around by the looks of it.
3) Cup cake teams and early gutting - With plenty of cup cake teams already in the league, the departure of Zanzibar and Sierra Leone is a tough one for the league, and Elephant in particular. Ethiopia cant get much worse, so the mourning about the loss of them will likely be minimal, but still....
Freetown Palookas at Katanga Diamonds
Katanga, along with RSW, are the current top dog of Lion, and its hard to see what should change that during the next 8 games the way they are playing. They have beaten both Cape Verde in a close game, and AF in a blow out, so even tho they still have a tough remaining schedule, their opponents will have to play up to their best to beat them. This is one of 3 remaining games that shows the possibility of a challenge, as the Palookas have impressed with good results and great play in most of their games. The Freetown passing game has been nothing short of spectacular, even their weak schedule taken into consideration, and the Diamonds secondary should have a busy day and a chance to prove their worth. As mentioned, the Palookas has oly just started the tough stretch featuring 4 major games in 5 weeks. And thats not counting the 2 following games against WoA and PHP, both of which should be able to pose a challenge. Still, a 6-2 record are an impressive start to their AA existence, and with an offense like that they will be a threat to any team they meet. A close loss against RSW last week showed more promising signs, and showed that they can play with the big boys too. Overall, the fans at Marianne Stadium, and all you ppl at home, should be in for a treat of a game. Scores should be plentiful, and even tho Katanga are favorites, anything can happen this Thanksgiving Thursday as the players will want to look their best.
African Fire at Cape Verde Headhunters
Even tho Cape Verde has to be big favorites, the match between #5 and #6 bears promise of something more than a one sided affair. Cape Verde shook of the loss to PHP with a solid beating of the Scottish Sharks last week, and look to be back in form and ready to play. With wins against EEORG, Bob and WoA, and a close close loss to Katanga, the Headhunters are no doubt one of the toughest teams in Lion. Their opponents from the Fire started out like thunder and lightening with 4 straight wins, but then ran into 3 big losses with the Katanga game as the most blemishing. A win against Rhein Main last week showed little improvement, and they will have to step up their game to stand a chance today. They have a good coaching staff tho, and they can turn things around with the right implements. But there arent room for penalties and turn overs in this game, so a 100% effort by all is required. Could be a nail biter, could be a blow out. Will AF surprise and put themselves back in the leading field, or will CV solidify their position as a strong top-4 contender?
Lake M'Zumba Cannibals at Real Men of Genius
This game also features a clear favorite and an underdog that has shown great promise earlier. RMoG has wowed everyone with 7 consecutive wins following their week 1 loss to BoB. The wins against the Crocs and Rwanda stand out as the most impressive victory's in the current streak, but the real tough games starts with this one. After this one they face a weak Cape Town team, but then follows 4 tough games in 5 weeks. They cant afford to loose a single game if they want to keep up with Richmond, so today should show a focused RMoG team taking to the field. Lake M was of the initial favorites in Elephant, and looked even more so after a 2-0 start including a win against EEORG. The following severe beatings against promoters Cairo and Richmond was a surprise tho, and another loss against Dakar has lead to doubt as to how good a team Lake M really has. They shouldn't be counted out tho, and could prove a greater challenge than expected if they get their game back on track.
Cairo Cannibals at Dakar Dragons
This might be the best game of all this week, featuring 2 old A#2 rivals who have both impressed this season with wins against very strong teams. Their positions as #4 and #5 currently speaks for itself. Dakar finished #1 in the regular season last year, but Cairo ended up taking both the conference trophy beating Dakar, and went on to beat WoA in the league final. Much more than a win is on the line here, as bragging rights between these teams cant be valued high enough. Dakar has looked a tad bit sharper than Cairo so far, but its 2 very equal teams squaring off here. It could very well end up being decided at the very end, maybe even OT. I wouldn't put anything past this game, and the intensity should be thick enough to cut. Can the Cannibals chew through the thick hides of the Dragons, or will the Dragons scorch the field? Cant wait for this one
Will look at the week 9 top games too, and will try and make a preview without an exact score prediction.
Hope its not too much with the "real" predictions aswell, but im bored so gonna go for it
Halfway point breakdown
It has been a turbulent season so far, and not everyone has come out on the other side of week 8 as comfortably as they had expected, while other teams have surprised with above expected performances. The many A teams promoted, and the forum activity coming with them, seem to have lit a spark in AA#1 which is now an active, friendly and competitive league like never before. It was evident in the pre-season that many teams had high ambitions, and altho it is too early to say anything definite, we do have a fairly good picture of the strength of each team, altho league placements atm arent worth much with the difference in schedule strength. In Lion, the 4 projected top teams have all done well, with only 3 combined losses. Both Bob, Katanga, RSW and Cape Verde have looked strong and are still favorites to take the #1-#4. In Elephant, the Promoted teams seem to have taken control, with Richmond and RMoG leading the table in a convincing manner. 4 of the 5 top teams currently are promoted teams, and the seasoned AA teams must be scratching their head to figure out how to stop them. We could very well end up with 4 promoters getting home field games, a scenario that no one would have believed before game 1. So in conclusion; Lion seems to be going along as expected, while Elephant is more up than down(Compared to pre-season rankings and general perception)
What's HOT and what's NOT:
HOT
1) Promoted teams - The promoted teams have done far better than any of the AA teams would ever have guessed. Richmond and RMoG stand out as the top of the pack, and look to both have good chances of taking the #1 seed in their conference
2) Katanga Diamonds - Have beaten all competition with solid performances, and at this time looks like the #1 favorite to take the LION conference title
3) Me - Obviously
NOT
1) EEORG - After statements like "EEORG, the only team that matters" and "20-0 baby, mark it down", EEORG has to be the biggest disappointment so far in AA#1. Even tho they are the only team that has challenged Richmond in a blast of a match, and have had a tough schedule, the fact remains that they are 4-4 after 8 weeks, and will have a tough time climbing back to the top. They have a quality team and its by no means possible. But it gotta start now, as another loss cant be tolerated.
2) Burundi Hutu - Expectations to this team was big before the season started, but a series of bad luck and the coaching staff partying late before games has meant that they are currently 3-5, and thats without facing a single of the "Big 4". Play-offs look like an uphill battle for the Hutu boys atm, and something extraordinary has to happen to turn this around by the looks of it.
3) Cup cake teams and early gutting - With plenty of cup cake teams already in the league, the departure of Zanzibar and Sierra Leone is a tough one for the league, and Elephant in particular. Ethiopia cant get much worse, so the mourning about the loss of them will likely be minimal, but still....
Freetown Palookas at Katanga Diamonds
Katanga, along with RSW, are the current top dog of Lion, and its hard to see what should change that during the next 8 games the way they are playing. They have beaten both Cape Verde in a close game, and AF in a blow out, so even tho they still have a tough remaining schedule, their opponents will have to play up to their best to beat them. This is one of 3 remaining games that shows the possibility of a challenge, as the Palookas have impressed with good results and great play in most of their games. The Freetown passing game has been nothing short of spectacular, even their weak schedule taken into consideration, and the Diamonds secondary should have a busy day and a chance to prove their worth. As mentioned, the Palookas has oly just started the tough stretch featuring 4 major games in 5 weeks. And thats not counting the 2 following games against WoA and PHP, both of which should be able to pose a challenge. Still, a 6-2 record are an impressive start to their AA existence, and with an offense like that they will be a threat to any team they meet. A close loss against RSW last week showed more promising signs, and showed that they can play with the big boys too. Overall, the fans at Marianne Stadium, and all you ppl at home, should be in for a treat of a game. Scores should be plentiful, and even tho Katanga are favorites, anything can happen this Thanksgiving Thursday as the players will want to look their best.
African Fire at Cape Verde Headhunters
Even tho Cape Verde has to be big favorites, the match between #5 and #6 bears promise of something more than a one sided affair. Cape Verde shook of the loss to PHP with a solid beating of the Scottish Sharks last week, and look to be back in form and ready to play. With wins against EEORG, Bob and WoA, and a close close loss to Katanga, the Headhunters are no doubt one of the toughest teams in Lion. Their opponents from the Fire started out like thunder and lightening with 4 straight wins, but then ran into 3 big losses with the Katanga game as the most blemishing. A win against Rhein Main last week showed little improvement, and they will have to step up their game to stand a chance today. They have a good coaching staff tho, and they can turn things around with the right implements. But there arent room for penalties and turn overs in this game, so a 100% effort by all is required. Could be a nail biter, could be a blow out. Will AF surprise and put themselves back in the leading field, or will CV solidify their position as a strong top-4 contender?
Lake M'Zumba Cannibals at Real Men of Genius
This game also features a clear favorite and an underdog that has shown great promise earlier. RMoG has wowed everyone with 7 consecutive wins following their week 1 loss to BoB. The wins against the Crocs and Rwanda stand out as the most impressive victory's in the current streak, but the real tough games starts with this one. After this one they face a weak Cape Town team, but then follows 4 tough games in 5 weeks. They cant afford to loose a single game if they want to keep up with Richmond, so today should show a focused RMoG team taking to the field. Lake M was of the initial favorites in Elephant, and looked even more so after a 2-0 start including a win against EEORG. The following severe beatings against promoters Cairo and Richmond was a surprise tho, and another loss against Dakar has lead to doubt as to how good a team Lake M really has. They shouldn't be counted out tho, and could prove a greater challenge than expected if they get their game back on track.
Cairo Cannibals at Dakar Dragons
This might be the best game of all this week, featuring 2 old A#2 rivals who have both impressed this season with wins against very strong teams. Their positions as #4 and #5 currently speaks for itself. Dakar finished #1 in the regular season last year, but Cairo ended up taking both the conference trophy beating Dakar, and went on to beat WoA in the league final. Much more than a win is on the line here, as bragging rights between these teams cant be valued high enough. Dakar has looked a tad bit sharper than Cairo so far, but its 2 very equal teams squaring off here. It could very well end up being decided at the very end, maybe even OT. I wouldn't put anything past this game, and the intensity should be thick enough to cut. Can the Cannibals chew through the thick hides of the Dragons, or will the Dragons scorch the field? Cant wait for this one
Last edited Nov 26, 2008 12:11:26
