ELF Week 8 Preview: Stuttgart puts unbeaten streak on the line in Austria, slugfest anticipated in Paris
We have officially crossed the halfway point of the 2024 European League of Football season.
Here is a look at the seven matchups of week 8.
Saturday, July 13
Fehervar Enthroners (0-6) @ Prague Lions (0-7)
With both of these teams being winless, one of them will secure their first victory on the season. Prague has not yet won a game on the field in their time in the ELF, but this is perhaps their best chance to do so as they face a weak opponent at home.
Cologne Centurions (1-4) @ Frankfurt Galaxy (2-3)
After a rough game against Madrid last week, the Galaxy will have a new quarterback for this one, as Matthew McKay replaces the injured Luke Zahradka. As for Cologne, they have a new head coach for this game, with Jag Bal taking over. Let’s see how he will lead his team on the road.
Helvetic Mercenaries (1-5) @ Vienna Vikings (7-0)
The Mercenaries got their first victory of the season last week, but, unfortunately for them, they now travel to Vienna to face the undefeated Vikings. This one should not be remotely close.
Madrid Bravos (4-1) @ Barcelona Dragons (2-5)
After last week’s disaster in which they conceded the game at halftime while losing 54-0, the Dragons admirably committed to play this game against their Spanish rivals. While Madrid should win easily, let us hope that this one gets completed and everyone stays healthy.
Sunday, July 14
Berlin Thunder (4-3) @ Paris Musketeers (4-1)
The 4-3 Berlin Thunder travel to Paris to face the 4-1 Musketeers in an intriguing cross-conference matchup. Berlin has fought hard against good opponents such as the Fire and Vikings but have come up short. They will look to finish a game against another top team in Paris on Sunday.
Stuttgart Surge (5-0) @ Raiders Tirol (5-2)
The undefeated Stuttgart have a challenge ahead of them as they travel to Innsbruck to face the 5-2 Raiders. The Raiders put up a fight last week against another undefeated team in Vienna, but key turnovers proved to be their downfall. If they can take better care of the football and perhaps force the Surge to turn it over, they could be in line for an upset.
Rhein Fire (6-1) @ Hamburg Sea Devils (2-3)
The Sea Devils will be hosting this game in Volksparkstadion, where they welcomed over 30,000 fans in a game there last year. They also debut a new quarterback in D’Angelo Fulford, formerly of the Raiders. Unfortunately for them, they have to face a red-hot Fire team. Hopefully the home team will keep this one close in front of a large crowd.
