Theory Final Tournament Line-up Discussion/Predictions

[Kaoz]

With the recent announcements, I feel like the chances of Atobe playing D1 against Germany have increased significantly. For one, he's featured on the volume 31 cover. While being on the cover isn't a guarantee that the character will also have a match around that time, there's a pretty strong correlation. Also, if Atobe does play D1, he can get his power-up just in time for the Rikkai vs Hyoutei OVAs, which start releasing in February or March.

As for potential partners, I guess Irie is the most obvious pick, but I'm not a big fan of that pair, so I wouldn't mind someone else. From the HSers, Byoudouin, Tanegashima and Ochi seem like the easiest alternatives. But, if Konomi wants to tie in with the OVAs some more, Oshitari and Kirihara are viable candidates as well.

 

[Animariano]

I see very likely that Kirihara will face Siegfried. It would be nice for him to defeat a TNK user. I don't see it strange that he plays doubles with Atobe, although it would be a rare couple. I think Atobe will play Irie. In some way or another Kirihara has a guaranteed match, either now or in the final (or third place). Tanegashima I see him more along with Byodouin or Tokugawa in the final team.

 

[klaus09]

I really believe that Kirihara will play D1, where he will surely face Bismark and Siegfried (like the final of the rikkai vs seigaku where the double of Bunta and Jackal was repeated), that is to say Kirihara against TNK, but I think that Atobe will play against Spain, since has been one of those who have played the most compared to others (bunta, kite, ishida ...) also there are few characters to whom Konomi is missing to close history.
In this case it would be: Yukimura (he is playing his last game of the arc)
Nioh (he already played his last)
Shiraishi (also)
Kite (also)
Renji (also)
Oni (also)
Duke (also)
Kimijima (also)
Mori (also)
Ochi (also)
Oishi (also and was injured)
Ishida (also and was injured)
Akutsu ( also and he left)
Kirihara (will play this double as his last match).
That leaves us with certain players for Spain: Ryoma (he sure plays)
Kinta (he deserves a closing game)
Atobe (surely Konomi wants to continue developing his new skill)
Sengoku (he has not played anything)
Yushi (neither)
Fuji (I think that like atobe, konomi wants to continue developing it)
Byoodin (if he doesn't play against germany) Tokugawa (if he doesn't play against germany)
Irie (if he doesn't play against germany)
Tanegashima (if he doesn't play against germany)
Finally Sanada (I have the doubt since I think that maybe konomi wants to show us something else) and Bunta (I don't think he plays anything)

 

[mathematicianrcg]

I see very likely that Kirihara will face Siegfried. It would be nice for him to defeat a TNK user. I don't see it strange that he plays doubles with Atobe, although it would be a rare couple. I think Atobe will play Irie. In some way or another Kirihara has a guaranteed match, either now or in the final (or third place). Tanegashima I see him more along with Byodouin or Tokugawa in the final team.

Kirihara, Atobe, Kintaro, and Irie are the characters who have high chance to play in succeeding matches.

Sorry for Bunta, but looks like his only reason to exist is to help Yukimura heal his disease.

--- Double Post Merged, Sep 28, 2020, Original Post Date: Sep 12, 2020 ---

Spain Vs USA - 100 % Spain Win?

I have a plot twist in my mind that their match will not be shown. And Spain will win 3-1 or 3-2. Implying Ryoga lose. But Ryoga lose on purpose..

Germany Vs Japan - 50-50 ?

For me, whoever who win in Tezuka Vs Yukimura match, his team will be the winner.

If Tezuka Win - Germany Wins
If Yukimura Win - Japan Wins

 

[erosares286]

Kirihara, Atobe, Kintaro, and Irie are the characters who have high chance to play in succeeding matches.

Sorry for Bunta, but looks like his only reason to exist is to help Yukimura heal his disease.

--- Double Post Merged, Sep 28, 2020, Original Post Date: Sep 12, 2020 ---

Spain Vs USA - 100 % Spain Win?

I have a plot twist in my mind that their match will not be shown. And Spain will win 3-1 or 3-2. Implying Ryoga lose. But Ryoga lose on purpose..

Germany Vs Japan - 50-50 ?

For me, whoever who win in Tezuka Vs Yukimura match, his team will be the winner.

If Tezuka Win - Germany Wins
If Yukimura Win - Japan Wins

Agree with you, whoever wins s2 his team will win.
As for ryoga vs ralph, if the match will shown, first set will be a close match, maybe ralph takes first set because ryoga is holding back and toying him, then he will destroy ralph in second set and third set. Its just my wild guess hehe

 

[Adamska]

Will NPOT take the path of Captain Tsubasa or Slam Dunk? So far, it's been more like CT, even the inspiration for characters like Yuki( Carlos Santana), Sanada( Hyuga), etc. But there are many factors to consider before saying which team would play against Spain in final. Japan in Final would draw more audience. More matchups that makes the fans want to follow the manga more. I think only Volk vs. Medanore and QP( more likely)vs. Ryoga would draw us to want to see Germany vs. Spain as we don't know much about other Spanish members. Also the eagerness to see Japanese reps development, those we haven't seen, in the Finals.

If Volk doesn't play, Japan has a chance to win. Bismarck in S1, probably, might face Tokugawa, a man who's once again walked into path of asura and unleashing his spirit.

I think Akaya, Atobe and Tokugawa are the most likely players to play in the upcoming matches although there's a chance for Kintaro as well. Perhaps Akaya and Tokugawa in D1 and Atobe or Kintaro in S1, but coach wouldn't do that most likely. We haven't seen Fuji, Kintaro, Tokugawa, Atobe, Tane, Akaya and few more to really play a high level match.

 

[mathematicianrcg]

Will NPOT take the path of Captain Tsubasa or Slam Dunk? So far, it's been more like CT, even the inspiration for characters like Yuki( Carlos Santana), Sanada( Hyuga), etc. But there are many factors to consider before saying which team would play against Spain in final. Japan in Final would draw more audience. More matchups that makes the fans want to follow the manga more. I think only Volk vs. Medanore and QP( more likely)vs. Ryoga would draw us to want to see Germany vs. Spain as we don't know much about other Spanish members. Also the eagerness to see Japanese reps development, those we haven't seen, in the Finals.

If Volk doesn't play, Japan has a chance to win. Bismarck in S1, probably, might face Tokugawa, a man who's once again walked into path of asura and unleashing his spirit.

I think Akaya, Atobe and Tokugawa are the most likely players to play in the upcoming matches although there's a chance for Kintaro as well. Perhaps Akaya and Tokugawa in D1 and Atobe or Kintaro in S1, but coach wouldn't do that most likely. We haven't seen Fuji, Kintaro, Tokugawa, Atobe, Tane, Akaya and few more to really play a high level match.

My problem about Spain Vs Japan is it will force a Ryoma Vs Ryoga matchup.

Even we know, logically, Ryoma doesnt have a chance. Especially you guys treat him as the strongest character in the tournament.

And I will be frustrated if Ryoma beat Ryoga.
All that hype for Ryoga just to lose on a Mser.

But if Ryoga will be the one to give Ryoma his first official lost, I will be ok with that.

Back to the current matchup, D1 pairings will determine this. Momentum is in Germany's side.

 

[TFJ]

My problem about Spain Vs Japan is it will force a Ryoma Vs Ryoga matchup.

Even we know, logically, Ryoma doesnt have a chance. Especially you guys treat him as the strongest character in the tournament.

And I will be frustrated if Ryoma beat Ryoga.
All that hype for Ryoga just to lose on a Mser.

But if Ryoga will be the one to give Ryoma his first official lost, I will be ok with that.

Back to the current matchup, D1 pairings will determine this. Momentum is in Germany's side.

Imo, Ryoma should have stayed with US a bit longer. Played RyomaUS vs RyogaSp and get his first official loss. Then he can transfer to Japan because why not. Get his rematch vs Ryoga in the finals somewhere.

 

[mathematicianrcg]

Imo, Ryoma should have stayed with US a bit longer. Played RyomaUS vs RyogaSp and get his first official loss. Then he can transfer to Japan because why not. Get his rematch vs Ryoga in the finals somewhere.

Hahahaha. That will make the tournament rules stupid.

Ryoma: I will play for US in Semis Vs Ryoga. If I and Usa lose. It is ok. I can transfer to Japan to play again in Finals.

 

[TFJ]

Hahahaha. That will make the tournament rules stupid.

Ryoma: I will play for US in Semis Vs Ryoga. If I and Usa lose. It is ok. I can transfer to Japan to play again in Finals.

I mean the transfer rules have already been messed up. Tezuka can suddenly play for Germany after a few weeks? Ryoga can switch teams 1-3 times. Ryoma can too

 

[mathematicianrcg]

I mean the transfer rules have already been messed up. Tezuka can suddenly play for Germany after a few weeks? Ryoga can switch teams 1-3 times. Ryoma can too

So Tezuka can switch back to Japan if Japan reach finals????

Anyway, as far as I know the changing of team already finished. The deadline is before Quarterfinals

 

[ShadowHeart]

So Tezuka can switch back to Japan if Japan reach finals????

Anyway, as far as I know the changing of team already finished. The deadline is before Quarterfinals

Pretty sure deadline was before group stage was finished.

 

[Adamska]

My problem about Spain Vs Japan is it will force a Ryoma Vs Ryoga matchup.

Even we know, logically, Ryoma doesnt have a chance. Especially you guys treat him as the strongest character in the tournament.

And I will be frustrated if Ryoma beat Ryoga.
All that hype for Ryoga just to lose on a Mser.

But if Ryoga will be the one to give Ryoma his first official lost, I will be ok with that.

Back to the current matchup, D1 pairings will determine this. Momentum is in Germany's side.

I wouldn't like a Ryoma vs. Ryoga match either. We know Ryoma isn't even the strongest MSer, he's behind Tezuka and Yuki(among Japanese MSers.) Plus Byo, Tokugawa, Ryoga, and other high rank HSers don't sit around while every MSer has improved his tennis, they have improved as well, and maybe more drastically. However, he's still Prince of Tennis though I wouldn't like it, but Konomi-san might give him the edge once again. I'd love to see Ryoma lose against Ryoga, if it happens. Spain vs. Japan? I'd like Ryoma plays S3 against a MSer or another HSer, Ryoga S2, and S1... Byo vs. Medanore. Winning the world cup for Japan. I think after his match against Tokugawa, once again, he's gained immense strength. Tokugawa as well. His loss against Volk, and walking into the path of asura once more. Plus I think his trainings with Yuki, and Oni/Irie during world cup.

Bismarck/Volk in D1? hahaha. not happening.
most likely Seig/Franken in D1 and Bismarck in S1, he's vice captain, and this match will decide if he's going pro or not.

If Konomi-san decides to continue the manga, I'd like Japan to lose, prefereably in semi-final. but if it's the end of the manga, NPOT/POT, i'd like to see Japan in Final no matter they'd win it or not.

 

[mathematicianrcg]

I wouldn't like a Ryoma vs. Ryoga match either. We know Ryoma isn't even the strongest MSer, he's behind Tezuka and Yuki(among Japanese MSers.) Plus Byo, Tokugawa, Ryoga, and other high rank HSers don't sit around while every MSer has improved his tennis, they have improved as well, and maybe more drastically. However, he's still Prince of Tennis though I wouldn't like it, but Konomi-san might give him the edge once again. I'd love to see Ryoma lose against Ryoga, if it happens. Spain vs. Japan? I'd like Ryoma plays S3 against a MSer or another HSer, Ryoga S2, and S1... Byo vs. Medanore. Winning the world cup for Japan. I think after his match against Tokugawa, once again, he's gained immense strength. Tokugawa as well. His loss against Volk, and walking into the path of asura once more. Plus I think his trainings with Yuki, and Oni/Irie during world cup.

Bismarck/Volk in D1? hahaha. not happening.
most likely Seig/Franken in D1 and Bismarck in S1, he's vice captain, and this match will decide if he's going pro or not.

If Konomi-san decides to continue the manga, I'd like Japan to lose, prefereably in semi-final. but if it's the end of the manga, NPOT/POT, i'd like to see Japan in Final no matter they'd win it or not.

Konomi should continue for me.

As long as Ryoma did not surpass prime Nanjiro yet, I am hoping NPOT still continues

--- Double Post Merged, Oct 17, 2020, Original Post Date: Oct 6, 2020 ---

Who would play in D1 now for Germany???againt Japan

a.)Bismarck/Siegfried
b.) Bismarck/Frankensteiner
c ) Bismarck/Volk
d.) Siegfried/Frankensteiner
e.) Siegfried/Volk
f.) Volk/Franskensteiner

 

[Seakay]

Who would play in D1 now for Germany???againt Japan

a.)Bismarck/Siegfried
b.) Bismarck/Frankensteiner
c ) Bismarck/Volk
d.) Siegfried/Frankensteiner
e.) Siegfried/Volk
f.) Volk/Franskensteiner

Well, Siegfried did beat Frankensteiner after the former unlocked PoP, so I'm inclined to give him Germany's last MS spot. I think Siegfried & Bismarck playing D1 and Volk playing S1 is the natural assumption. It is odd to me that we would see Germany reuse a pairing that hasn't proved effective before, especially this late in the tournament. Maybe Siegfried improved that much and Bismarck held back something vs Duke and Fuji, so could be wrong.

I wouldn't be surprised if we're thrown a curveball here though. If switching is allowed, maybe Volk plays D1 to help seal Germany's victory. Byodoin plays D1 too and this leave us with Bismarck or Siegfried in a surprise S1. Another option might be is if Volk still plays S1 but D1 is treated like another Singles match like Tezuka vs Chitose was back in the Nationals SF. We've seen Bismarck play 1v2 before so not too out of the question either.

 

[Hardy]

I wouldn't be surprised if we're thrown a curveball here though. If switching is allowed, maybe Volk plays D1 to help seal Germany's victory. Byodoin plays D1 too and this leave us with Bismarck or Siegfried in a surprise S1. Another option might be is if Volk still plays S1 but D1 is treated like another Singles match like Tezuka vs Chitose was back in the Nationals SF. We've seen Bismarck play 1v2 before so not too out of the question either.

It was implied Tez and Volk had Howling... And coincidentally Sieg got TnK recently, so that could be a pair. The problem is that!
Edit: hahahaha baby posted for me

The problem is that Bismarck is kind of lame for S1.

 

[Seakay]

It was implied Tez and Volk had Howling... And coincidentally Sieg got TnK recently, so that could be a pair. The problem is that!

That's a fair point too. I'm surprised that no other pairing Japan faced had a Howling until they returned to Germany's top Doubles. Maybe it is just that rare of an ability. Going with your idea though, I do believe Byodoin is scheduled to play S1, so he'd swap into D1 to play against Volk and Siegfried. As to who his partner is, that's more up in the air but one idea I like is D1 being Irie & Atobe. Atobe and Byodoin could face Volk and Siegfired in a Captain's Match, assuming Siegfried is Germany's MS lead. That leaves Irie vs Bismarck in S1 and allows Irie to finally reveal his true strength which he's been hiding for years.

 

[Hardy]

That's a fair point too. I'm surprised that no other pairing Japan faced had a Howling until they returned to Germany's top Doubles. Maybe it is just that rare of an ability. Going with your idea though, I do believe Byodoin is scheduled to play S1, so he'd swap into D1 to play against Volk and Siegfried. As to who his partner is, that's more up in the air but one idea I like is D1 being Irie & Atobe. Atobe and Byodoin could face Volk and Siegfired in a Captain's Match, assuming Siegfried is Germany's MS lead. That leaves Irie vs Bismarck in S1 and allows Irie to finally reveal his true strength which he's been hiding for years.

Because I'm expecting Atobe in the finals and them to save Byoudouin, another option is Irie-Fuji and then Tanegashima in S1, with Tanegashima ONCE AGAIN switching (with Fuji, in this case).

Edited my last post btw.

 

[Kaoz]

It was implied Tez and Volk had Howling... And coincidentally Sieg got TnK recently, so that could be a pair. The problem is that!

I'm not so sure if we should read that as a Howling hint anymore, at least as far as TnK is concerned. Given the backstory of how they met, it seems like Volk was more drawn to Tezuka's spin control, which Siegfried doesn't have.

 

[mathematicianrcg]

Well, Siegfried did beat Frankensteiner after the former unlocked PoP, so I'm inclined to give him Germany's last MS spot. I think Siegfried & Bismarck playing D1 and Volk playing S1 is the natural assumption. It is odd to me that we would see Germany reuse a pairing that hasn't proved effective before, especially this late in the tournament. Maybe Siegfried improved that much and Bismarck held back something vs Duke and Fuji, so could be wrong.

I wouldn't be surprised if we're thrown a curveball here though. If switching is allowed, maybe Volk plays D1 to help seal Germany's victory. Byodoin plays D1 too and this leave us with Bismarck or Siegfried in a surprise S1. Another option might be is if Volk still plays S1 but D1 is treated like another Singles match like Tezuka vs Chitose was back in the Nationals SF. We've seen Bismarck play 1v2 before so not too out of the question either.

If it is Bismarck/Siegfried. I want them to win. They will have bad reputation if they lose twice to Japan.

The pattern doesnt favor them though. The players who won in their pre-world cup are the same players who are winning the semifinals match.

QP and Tezuka Both Won in Pre WC and Semis

Duke Won in Pre WC and Semis

Yukimura lost in Pre WC and Semis.

Hope it would change though.

As I said, I dont have any problems if Germany can provide a plot twist and beat Japan

--- Double Post Merged, Oct 19, 2020, Original Post Date: Oct 19, 2020 ---

That's a fair point too. I'm surprised that no other pairing Japan faced had a Howling until they returned to Germany's top Doubles. Maybe it is just that rare of an ability. Going with your idea though, I do believe Byodoin is scheduled to play S1, so he'd swap into D1 to play against Volk and Siegfried. As to who his partner is, that's more up in the air but one idea I like is D1 being Irie & Atobe. Atobe and Byodoin could face Volk and Siegfired in a Captain's Match, assuming Siegfried is Germany's MS lead. That leaves Irie vs Bismarck in S1 and allows Irie to finally reveal his true strength which he's been hiding for years.

I believed Howling is just made by Konomi in that match. As it is needed a Camus/Duke Aura to beat Germany's Doubles Pro. Of course the Double Pro's should have it too.