In Week 3 of Season 12 of the TWL Intermediate League 20 teams faceoff on the only good competitive map that was added to AA in the past 2 years, Urban Assault. I really don't remember when UA was last played in any of the top 3 leagues (TWL, CEVO, CAL), but all I know is that it has been too long. This is one best maps for competition, as it is fast paced, doesn't require tweaking to see better, and it's not one-sided.

I for one, am very interested in how it will play out in version 2.8.3 which was just released Jan 31st. With the vastly reduced effect of flashbangs, especially outdoors, this could change urban matches completely. Players will have to rely much more on their shot, rather than flashing an approaching enemy before shooting them. This will also likely diversify strats, or at least change them. We may see more aggressive objective pushes from the get-go for example. Previously, it might have been a good idea to chuck a flash over east objective from the "Assault East" team to slow down an east objective rush. Or, for the "Assault West" team to chuck a flash towards the back door/window area of the west objective to slow down a west objective rush. I think we will see the better CQB teams play more aggressive on this map than before. With a little cover from teammates, or by dodging/avoiding incoming flashbangs, teams will realize it isn't as beneficial to use flashes.

Conviction vs Unreasonable Ownage

Both these teams have been on the up and up in the past month or 2. Conviction have raised their game to a level where they can compete with the intermediate level teams, and will be hungry for a win after back to back ties. Unreasonable Ownage have also picked up their game big-time after several disappointing seasons. This is anyone's game.
Prediction: U > con 5-4-3
MVP: teeejay

Dropouts vs epiC

If the above match wasn't MOTW, then this one is definitely a top candidate. Many factors will play into the outcome of this match. From preparation, to execution, and finally momemtum when approaching the round needed to secure the victory. The good news for epiC is I'll pick them to lose again, and I'm usually wrong.
Prediction: drp > epiC 6-4-2
MVP: faceless

Even Flow vs 160th Soar

EFlow was on a tear for quite a while, but have recently hit a couple of bumps in the road. I believe 160th Soar will be the aggressors in this match, which could pay off, but EFlow will adjust. Mostly based off their recent success, and their extra devotion, I think EFlow has the edge here. If EFlow sets the tone early and grabs the first 2-3 rounds then this could be a walk in the park, but if 160th comes out firing and keeps it close they could steal this one.
Prediction: EFlow > 160th 8-4-0
MVP: subtle

FightClub vs Ataxia

Going into this season many had high expectations of these 2 teams. FightClub joined a couple of TWL ladders a few months back with their main goal to take each match seriously and get their teamwork in matches back on track. This has paid off in ladder results with their 34-5 record. They haven't made the extra effort to scrim to prep for league matches though, so they've started the season with a 0-1-1 record. If they start prepping more and get a couple of guys back who had hardware issues (split, dd & DZ I believe), then they should start coming up with better results down the road. Ataxia is pretty much in the same boat, they have a couple of guys that play regularly, but they rarely get scrims in anymore. Either way, as Urban is a good map, both teams should put forth a solid effort, and I see this being a very close match.
Prediction: fc > atx 5-4-3
MVP: laz

Notorious Gaming vs IceNine

After reviewing the standings, these 2 teams are both 2-0 and are the top 2 in rounds won up to this point. Both these teams were in a slump for a while, but have turned things around. IceNine has revamped their line-up and can't be taken lightly in any match. Notorious Gaming has been a pleasant surprise, with a bit of an upset win in week 1 vs unR, and followed that with a dominant win in week 2. If nG comes up with some creative and aggressive strats they could pull off an upset here. I suspect i9 will look to continue their winning ways and put in plenty of practice time for this one.
Prediction: i9 > nG 8-4-0
MVP: wh!z

No Said Date vs goingLive

With gL deciding to call it quits in AA, and focus on other games, I'm not sure if they only plan on finishing the CEVO/CAL matches, or if they'll play out the TWL season as well. No Said Date likely won't practice for this one, but I doubt they will have problems beating a team which just doesn't care anymore.
Prediction: nsd > gL 10-2-0
MVP: phrog

Team Mediocrity vs Ice Cold Gaming

David vs the Goliath. The problem is there is more than one goliath, and David will get squished! Honestly, I don't think ic3 has much of a chance against med. They will likely steal a couple of rounds, but not much more than that. But, as we saw with the Giants/Patriots game yesterday, you still have to play the game, anything can happen.
Prediction: med > ic3 10-2-0
MVP: spanker

That's Dope vs United 5

This will be a very interesting match-up. Both teams look to be taking this season quite seriously. That's Dope didn't bother participating in other leagues the past couple of months, so they may still be a step behind. United 5 is still considered a new team with only a handful of matches in the bank so far. I believe they will be the more prepared team which will give them the edge. Both teams play very fast paced so it should be over very quick with plenty of intense situations.
Prediction: u5 > tD 7-5-0
MVP: josh

Knights of the Round Table vs Final Destination

A match-up between the bottom 2 teams in the One Division. Knights are superior in skill and will show it in this match. FD still hasn't found the strong players they need to compete with Intermediate level teams. Until that happens it will be a struggle for them to find wins.
Prediction: Knights > FD 8-3-1
MVP: bigballa

Unknown Factor vs Volatilis Infensus

Here we have another 2-0 vs 0-2 matchup. vI and uF have had some great battles in the past, but those days may now be over. If vI manages to field 4 tonight they should take a few rounds, but they haven't prepped for this one at all, so it will be tough. uF may be missing some of their stronger members on Monday nights, but vI is in the same boat. If that's the case the match will obviously be tough to predict.
Prediction: uF > vI 6-3-3
MVP: donmai

Good luck everyone!