Welcome to Quickscope’s coverage of EDCSSL. We kick off Season 16 with de_contra this time tomorrow evening, and we at Quickscope, have a variety of people pitching their predictions on your games in your division from week to week!

Division One by avaLancHe

Two Immediate things struck me when I looked at the tables for the first and only time they would be tied. The immediate abscence of the best two sides (In my eyes), AV and GLG; and of course what follows from that in we have a vastly different division from last time round.

A Quick precursory glance over the others (Teams), leads me to believe that there should be 3 teams who should easily form the podium in Rasta, MINISTRY and G$G. (Who all cleverly enough avoid each other in week1) This leavs me really to only make a conscious decision on one game for the week, which is in the form of Twistedplay.net vs DEMiX, who have taken over the role from AV of boasting the largest most varied roster on ED. Quite simply put DEMiX could put out about 15 different players who could easily beat Twistedplay.net but who knows who they will put out? For that factor alone I’m going to predict a very close victory for DEMiX based on the fact they are likely to not use their best 5, (Whoever they are) at all this season.

As for the other games, the fact contra is being started to taken seriously by a select few in ED suggests the map now won’t be as hard for stronger sides and I for one think Rasta are going to have a good week (Reflected in my scoreline prediction for them). I think the other two games will be close but will go towards the stronger (And probably better prepared) sides.

TEN5ION v Rasta. 10-20
JV v MNSTRY    11-19
inst. v TP.G$G    13-17
DEMIX v TP |.  16-14

Division Two by Gumpster

So this season, I am continuing my coverage of Division 2, and following Phoenix Faction’s & Sniper’s progress from their recent promotion from Division 3 to Division 2 after last seasons intriguing season in Division 3, can both of these teams cement their positions in the 2nd tier of EDCSSL, or can they push for promotion, that is really the question here. However, whilst I concentrate on the promoted teams from Division 3, there is also the mixture of the teams who were relegated from Division 1 which includes Illegal Immigrants. The only 2 surviors from last season is iNfluxum & Sektor.DK (at the time it was Sektor, so kind of counts I suppose).

So brand new start for all teams in the division, a fresh slate from the previous season, and off we go again, what surprises are in store for us this season? With the first few matches it is always difficult to predict who can win sometimes, because the skill margin can be so tight. The biggest match this week, is Champions of Division 3 Phoenix Faction Vs Relegated Illegal Immigrants. [ii] will be hoping to do a “Newcastle United” on us, by going straight back up from Division 2 to Division 1, and this match for them will test their mettle really whereas PF will be looking to send a message to everyone again in the division, that they wont be toppled. Sektor DK will be looking to put in a strong performance against that old school bunch of Snipers Alley, and iNfluxum may believe they have the firepower and advantage to take out newcomers (but oldcomers really) Russian Zone, but it will be a tricky match really. In the final match, it sees another 2 newcomers to EDCSSL with eXalted coming into the league, a team that I havn’t heard much about, but will look into more thoroughly over the next few weeks, they are a team though that did come 2nd recently in Mez’s Mystery Cup, and have in the past got gold in the Entry Ladder, so whilst no “noteable” achievements to their names in ED, they will be a force to be reckoned with, and this maybe one step too far for “Rick Roll Reflex”, who I feel (& no offence to them of course) could be one of two things, the underdogs of the division, or the whipping boys of the division. With that said, and what I have already mentioned, the first day of the league is the “platform” for your season, and how you treat the first match, can be how the rest of the season goes for you. It all depends, and I do not doubt for one second that this division could be again quite tight.

SG.DK v snipers – 18 – 12
{P|F} v [ii]. – 16 – 14
-(rZ)- v iN - 13 – 17
RRR :: v eXalted - 10 – 20

Division Three by PhantoM

Division 3 looks interesting for this season with three brand new teams to the EDCSSL. It makes this division tougher to predict than the General elections.  taint3d, #geN and eNgi take the ranks in the EDCSSL as they try to prove that they are worthy contenders. We see the return of Rasta, ND | and 3mc from last season. All 3 teams performed well, with Rasta only losing out on promotion by 2 points when ND | beat them in inferno on the last game of the season. I’ll be looking forward to that rematch! We also see the addition of |NICeY| and |MODx| into the division, with |NICeY| winning division 4 undefeated, and |MODx| moving up from division 7 which they won quite convincingly. Well the EDCSSL Season opens with a map that isn’t one of those core 5 maps. I think this is a great move from ED, by getting those under played maps out of the way at the start of the season as it will make room for a closer and more contended finale at the end of the season. However I do feel this map shows what clans have truly done their homework and those that just aren’t keen enough.

ND | proved that they were at this level last year with some some decent wins over Rasta and 3mc. So with Taint3d coming into the EDCSSL for the first time I think they will struggle against this experienced team. If taint3d can keep their tactics together they might bring the round difference close, but for me I think ND will still win this one.

eNgi may be new to EDCSSL but they’ve certainly been picking up the results in the open ladder. However, their performances have dipped lately and having never played contra in ED I don’t fancy their chances. Rasta performed well last season and will be looking to make a fresh start with a convincing win. Contra has never been a good map for this team – but I think purely down to experience they will be able to get a decent victory.

3mc had another great season in EDCSSL15, finishing 4th behind Rasla. Their up against #geN, who have not lost many games since joining the open ladder, and I suspect may be a dark horse in this league. But like many other newcomers to the EDCSSL, they don’t have much match experience on contra and I think 3mc will edge this game. Although this game might not be the easy victory for 3mc as some might suspect.

The match of the week in this division for me has to be the match up between |NiCeY| and |MODx|. Both these teams have been promoted into this division and have a point to prove. |NiCeY| having being undefeated last season are my favourites to win this match up, but |MODx|’s current form has been consistent and I think if they can pull of some key rounds they might take this game to the wire.

eNgi. v Rasta       13-17
3mc v #geN       16-14
taint3d v ND |       12-18
|NiCeY| v |MODx|    16-14

Division Four by Gumpster

So I end up following Division four, it makes sense as Division three contains my own team MODx so I don’t want to cause any disturbances for my team or my opposition, by predicting, so have been handed the division below ours, which is Division four, you lucky people!

To give the run down of this division, Rasta (2 Arrow) are the Icelandic team quietly been keeping around in ED for Rasta, they were promoted as runners up last season in Division 5, so are the new boys to the division, and the question sits around them “will they cope with Division 4?” and I feel they can probably do the best out of the current crop of teams, probably pushing for promotion again, but may end up 3rd this season. Hydras is messy’s team, and will be either cementing their place in the division, or looking to push for honours, however looking on their results pages, there have been no real “outstanding” results in there recently, aside from a 20 – 10 win against #teamc on inferno, they look fairly “average” (no offence intended messy!!!), time will tell how strong this team could be though. We have Infusion in the division, and whilst they have a “big” team, it could depend on a few factors of whether they have activity issues, or players can only play on certain teams, or whether they just enjoy playing with each other. Depending on what team they play, I could see them being a darkhorse in the division, because they will be sure to get some awards on their page. Legends Gaming is also in the division, a name really that probably be somewhere related to the higher divisions, just for being “legends” but if games were played based on names, then many teams would struggle! However, these guys finished last season in 3rd position, and will probably be hoping to go 2 better with no teams from last seasons Division 3, so it could be interesting if they could be Champions at the end of this season. We also have the well known team Simply, who can always pose a threat, we have WolfHound Clan “Team Zero”, who I do not know that well, add in the fact their results are kind of erratic, it is difficult to tell who they can beat! Another unknown team to me is The Magical Pause, although I recognise eggzz from the roster, should be interesting to see how they fair this season. The final team is Stimulus Gaming who are unknown to me, but have played Hydras and lost 18 – 12 to them recently on inferno.

So there we have it, this division will be a mixed bag, and will be difficult to predict, but I will look into these teams and see who they are, and what makes them tick over etc.

TMP v S` – 18 – 12
Simply v WFH°][ - 17 - 13
HYDRAS v Rasta - 13 - 17
Lg5 v Inf:. - 11 - 19

Division Five by Smokie

The first fixture of this division starts with a familiar set of faces going toe to toe to gain the first victory of the season; monkey mafia facing up to MOD 5stars, the last time these two met were in the pro-css league with monkey mafia taking home the W. That however that was on tuscan, this is contra and I expect the underdogs to prevail this week with 5stars coming out trumps.

Ki Gaming face up to SQUALL, this SQUALL line up has played together for some time and coming up against a community team on a “none traditional” mix map should see SQUALL knit together and tactically oust their opponents this week.

Our next fixture see SD:css and Team SE7EN battle in the shark tank. I believe the result of this match depends on which 5 turn up for SD:css. Because it is the first week of the competition, I expect they’ll field a strong side for two reasons; firstly because of the map and secondly to make a statement to rest of the pool that they are out to challenge for that top spot this season. For the reasons above I shall be backing the old boys taking the home the W on contra, also their experience of playing together as a unit is essential on map like contra.

I confess I do not know anything about these next two teams, however from looking at the red mass of results on both their ED pages it’s safe to say this match will be fairly even. But with d4rio playing a variety of maps apart from the traditional dd2/inferno/nuke maps I think they will have the edge. Below are my Division 5 predictions

.MM v MOD.#5*    13 - 17
«Ki» v vSQUALL. 8 – 22
SD:css^ v 7™|  19 - 11
InnoV8 v d4rio 12 - 18

Division Six by DmE

Lod.a vs ENIGMA? – With Enigma being a fairly new side to enemydown in their first season of EDCSSL and with no real sign of a liking towards contra I feel lod.a will be able to take the win here with their longstanding experience, 17-13 to lod.a

PlySMRT vs MOD.sYs – Despite these two teams meeting not long ago on d2 and plySMRT coming out the victor and even with their new roster after i39 and closely missing out on a promotion spot last season, I feel mod.sys will have enough to take the win here after an impressive 17-13 win on contra over mod.ice showing their capabilities on the map, so my prediction 19-11 to MOD.sYs.

TP.myth vs rubin. –  Facing an experienced Icelandic side with some history on contra would not be the first game rubin would of wanted after having been promoted and I can’t help but feel myth will have the advantage coming into this week, my prediction for the week 20-10 to tp.myth.

CfolD vs TBAGGED – With both teams not playing a lot of contra it could throw up a surprise result although I feel on recent form TBAGGED have the advantage and I feel will take the win 18-12

Lod.a vs ENIGMA? 17 - 13
PlySMRT vs MOD.sYs 11 - 19
TP.myth vs rubin. 20 - 10
CfolD vs TBAGGED 12 - 18

Division Seven by DmE

Evil vs {TC} – After being relegated last season TC will be eager to start this season in winning form and I feel they have more than enough ability within their long standing team to do so, my prediction 19-11 TC.

[JEDI] vs eVour | – With both of these teams being new to the division after promotion last season with endevour being a reincarnation of F643 division 8 winners last season there will be some fierce competition trying to pick up where they left off and with JEDI wanting to get the one up on them this time round, my prediction 16-14 eVour

|3MC| vs : |DoG:|: – After being a division 10 side last season and dominating all comers DoG were awarded with a shiny gold trophy and a triple promotion to give them the challenge they clearly need, this week facing off against 3MC who took a few surprise wins in this division last season. Despite that I feel DoG will continue to roll on and take victory here, my prediction 18-12 to DoG.

Vuze. Vs [FW] – With both of these teams close to taking promotion last season and a close result between the sides with FW taking it 16-14 again both teams will be out to show what they can do this season around and get off to a winning start. My prediction FW to snatch it once again 17-13.

Evil vs {TC} 11 – 19
[JEDI] vs eVour | 14 – 16
|3MC| vs : |DoG:|: 12 – 18
Vuze. Vs [FW] 13 – 17

Division Eight by avaLancHe

A Slightly odd division to be covering and me moving from Div10 to Div8 might have its advantages in that I recognise a few more of the teams. Infact so many so It makes the predictions game based off peoples experience in CSS a lot easier (tezc have been around for eternity and ta! are quite an active upcoming team).

As for week 1 ta! take on one of the unknowns in the division TWK, and to be honest this area of the league probably ends itself to better contra playing teams. I personally think ta! shouldn’t struggle here and ought to get a victory especially with their form in the last few months taking home four first places (2 in theKGL, 2 in ED). I also think ta! won’t necessarily be my pick to win the division outright, but they will be up there with the pack for most of the league I believe. Whereas at the other end of the Spectrum BLOOD vs LaB is my most random pick ever, and I literally do not know who will take this given that both sides have hardly practiced the map officially. I am going to remain neutral for this one but If I’m proved wrong I would like to think it is LaB who will take it.

I almost thought for one of the other games we would be looking at a default given the moniker that the side is using (—-). Luckily for us, and for ctn, there will be a game on. However I believe that given (—-) (God it’s a confusing tag), are just beating Division 10 sides on contra they may come unstuck vs ctn. All thats left remaining is to see how well tezc (My pick for the #1 spot) do in this division. I predict a win for them today but think on contra they’ll struggle.

BLOOD | v LaB  15-15
ctn! v —-    18-12
Ŧωқ v ta!    9-21
=] v tezc | 12-18

Division Nine by PhantoM

Division 9 has the makings of a division that I think could go the distance. The teams look like a pretty decent match up.The Armchair Army – previously called b0s – have reshuffled their line up and put on a successful display in the ROCCAT competition, winning some lovely prizes in doing so! I think this team will be the one to watch in this division along with [ES-X] who had a decent season last season just narrowly missing out on promotion. This division also sees the return of kk, who did enough to secure their status, being joined by three new teams to the EDCSSL and last seasons relegated team NiCeY².

I believe NiCeY² are back with a new line up for this season, so time will tell if this team is an improvement on last seasons team that only won 2 of their 7 games. They take on blink who are new to the EDCSSL. I must confess this a team I don’t know much about. Looking at their results on ED I would say they’d struggle this season, but I’ve been told by a friend of mine that blink are a decent side so I’ll take their word for it – for now!

UsF have being playing well recently at this level in other leagues, but there current form on ED has been disappointing. With a strong previous season I think [ES-X] are possibly going to give UsF a sore one on contra. I can feel TobyB giving me an earful on mumble already for saying so!

Ki Aggression are a completely new team under the Ki family and have some decent players in their ranks. If they can knuckle down and get some tactics sorted for this map I think they will have a convincing win over SyNt. SyNt are another new teams to the EDCSSL and their recent results on ED have been poor. I think a map like contra needs a good bit of game sense and aim and I think this is where Ki.A will have the edge.

We see [|AA|] take on kk. I feel kk. are one of those teams where their result is really dependent on which team they put out, but I think even with their strongest line up they will struggle to win against AA who are on excellent form.

Well that’s my predictions in folks and I would actually love them all to be proved wrong. I want to be surprised by this season!

-SyNt- v Ki.A    14-16
UsF | v [ES-X]    10-20
blink. v NiCeY²    16-14
[|AA|] v kk.    17-13

Division Ten by Smokie

SoG vs bn, would stick my money on bignades coming up trumps this week. Both teams have large roasters, with new players in each, it could be an interesting battle depending on the starting lineup’s. But with SoG’s track record on Contra the outcome looks bleak for those seriously opinionated gamers.

Middle Aged Gamers should storm the ARK community team, with MAG already playing warm-up games on contra this week and stacking up some convincing wins, they look well prepared for the match on Tuesday.

XTX and SD:css2 should be the tightest game in division 10 this week, however I believe XTX have sharper aim and should have the edge over SD:css2.

Leaving us with UKmessy to face the formidable Froody Pirates, if FP field some of their top names this match should be a walk over, and could end up very messy!..

SoG v [bn] 8 -22
[MAG] v ARK 25 – 5
[:XTX:] v SD:css2 18 – 12
[FP] v [UKM] 20 – 10

So that’s it folks, we have all divisions rounded up by “our experts” here at Quickscope so why not get yourselves involved and predict on this piece or on the Enemy Down forum thread we place up or on Facebook!

*Editorial Note: Our Podcasts will start next week whilst we resolve some issues, and will give us much more to talk about with the results in and so on. Secondly, sorry for the format, DDM who did the format for last season, has his Uni work to concentrate on at present, and hopefully I can learn it properly!!!

This entry was posted on Monday, May 24th, 2010 at 21:51 and is filed under Community, Enemy Down, Leagues & Ladders. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.