ROUND 20: WEEK I of FINALS
QF1: Jibrangers v Brownie's Bandits
Jibrangers enters this match as the undisputed favourite based on overall ranking and past 5 rounds average, however, best 22 projection based on player's averages point towards a much closer contest. Hurn likely return would be a much welcome boost for Brownie's Bandits as they plot their way to secure a direct path to the PFs.
A current total of 6 POD players will have the ultimate say in the outcome of this match with Jibrangers holding the slight edge, though Brownie's Bandits could swing this to his favour should he chooses to trade.
Prediction: Jibrangers to win by 30 points
QF2: Goodie's Guns v Courtesans
Hurn's absence in recent weeks has curtailed Goodie's Guns climb in the overall ranking. Speaking of scaling the heights, Courtesans have continued on his steady climb building from the momentum through the MBRs. Both coaches posses resume of the highest calibre and once again find themselves in familiar territory in the first week of league finals.
Prior to trades, their respective success or failure will rest on 8 POD players with Goodie's Guns holding a decided advantage if the player's averages are anything to go by. Courtesans will be relying on the recent form & ceilings of his group in order to keep himself in the hunt.
Prediction: Goodie's Guns to win by 57 points
EF1: Blaze of Glory v SuperCoachScores
SuperCoachScores has defied the odds in keeping all challengers at arm's length to secure that last final's spot. His team has been idle for a few weeks now but expect him to make a move or two before the final siren blows. Blaze of Glory resisted the temptation last week to trade, preserving that for this all important clash against the one time SC winner. Jay carries the underdog tag as the lowest ranked team in the finals (by a fair margin), however, this is right down his alley as he lives for such an occasion.
The current 9 POD players will sure to swing as each coach makes their moves, as will the ebbs and flows of this match. I suspect that both coaches will be taken on a roller coaster ride pending the final result of the match with the spoils going to the one who can demonstrate the most consistency.
Prediction: Blaze of Glory to win by 29 points
EF2: Jaca's Attackers v Muppets FC
On paper this looks to be a very even contest, however, Muppets FC may have gone all-in on his chips too early meaning that his race has already been run. Craig cannot afford any omissions at team's selections as it would mean an unavoidable donut which would cripple his chance of a highly unlikely victory. Jason on the other hand have been meticulous in his trading over the past few rounds to position his team for a genuine run at the finals.
Teams are separated by 9 POD players with Jaca's Attackers holding all the aces. All the signs are against Muppets FC for this encounter as they've literally ran out of steam which is unfortunate as their season looked to have so much promise.
Prediction: Jaca's Attackers to win by 132 points