Week 8 Predictions

Once again this week's Monday slate is heavier than normal so I will just go for the shorthand version for predicting all the matches.



Philadelphia vs New York: As I noted in my power rankings, it's completely do or die time for both these teams, with even a draw having a chance to eliminate them. New York is definitely the team which has shown a tendency to shine in exactly these types of situations in the past so I have to go with them. New York 2.5 – 1.5



New Jersey vs Carolina: The battle likely to determine second place in the East. One can only hope FM Zaikov has something equally unique up his sleeve to is 1. a3!! brilliancy against NM Molner in 2006 in their upcoming rematch as his team will likely need him to win. He should have a good chance to do just that which will probably bring the overall match to a standstill. New Jersey ties Carolina 2 – 2



Miami vs Dallas: Zivanic has been super impressive so far, drawing three strong GMs with Black and defeating another with White. This week should prove another stern test for him as facing Becerra with Black is likely the stiffest challenge anyone can venture into in the League. While one can't ignore Zivanic's impressive record thus far, I still have to think Becerra has a very good chance to take the full point home, and the remaining boards seem to add up to a deadlock. Miami 2.5 – 1.5



Baltimore vs Boston: Frankly Baltimore's lifetime record isn't that stellar, despite their 2005 Championship. But one thing definitely does has worked for them throughout: generally owning both Boston and New York. While I tend to trust history in most circumstances since every match is so close that one has nothing else to really rely on, Boston simply needs this particular match too badly, and they strike me as the sort of team that will rise to the occasion. Boston 2.5 – 1.5



Chicago vs Queens: Chicago brings out the same lineup that gave them a tie when previously facing the other 5.5 – 1.5 team, San Francisco. I see a repeat performance, not only in score, but in how it's created. Chicago loses the top two but wins the bottom two. Chicago ties Queens 2 – 2



San Francisco vs Tennessee: Well Ehlvest is still basically an unstoppable force in the league so him triumphing even with Black against Wolff can't be too improbable, but the Mechanics still seem likely to sweep the other boards. San Francisco 3 – 1



Seattle vs Arizona: Arizona may be on the brink of elimination, but given each team's general chances of making it, this match is still probably more valuable to the Sluggers. Like the Miami vs Dallas showdown, Seattle scores the full point on the top board and the other boards combine to a deadlock. Seattle 2.5 – 1.5



(FM Ron Young predicts New York, New Jersey, and Miami all to win 2.5 – 1.5 on Monday).