User blog:NJGW/Series 9, Heat E rundown

We've reached the final heat of Series 9, and this truly is a case of saving the best for last, with Apollo and Carbide finally making their appearances. With the two Grand Finalists from the previous series in a heat with a modest looking lineup, surely this is an easy route to the Heat Final for these two?

Apollo vs. Ms Nightshade vs. Rusty vs. Coyote
Despite being the champion of Series 8, Apollo never really had that battle which most champions do where they completely dominate a robot or a group of robots. This battle is perfect for it though, and we should see robots flying. Ms Nightshade to be thrown out of the arena and Rusty to break. I hope Coyote progresses anyhow - I really, really like it, and a decent enough performance in this heat will strengthen my fondness.

To qualify: Apollo and Coyote

Carbide vs. Meggamouse vs. Crackers 'N' Smash vs. Trolley Rage
Speaking about the best robots completely dominating battles, here's another exhibition for Carbide. Trolley Rage is going to be left immobilised through one or two massive hits and Meggamouse - although a good robot in its own right - doesn't seem like it can defend itself from Carbide. Meggamouse's exposed wheels and Crackers 'N' Smash being able to disperse themselves will count against it, and the clusterbot will progress with Carbide.

To qualify: Carbide and Crackers 'N' Smash

Apollo vs. Coyote
Apollo is deceptively slippery - especially with its shape and size against something like Coyote. It should win this comfortably enough, and could knock Coyote into submission with a strong enough flip.

Winner: Apollo via KO (3 points)

Carbide vs. Crackers 'N' Smash
Well, I back it to escape the Group Battle, but Crackers 'N' Smash will be ruthlessly beaten in this one.

Winner: Carbide via KO (3 points)

Coyote vs. Crackers 'N' Smash
This should be a really interesting watch, and I'm not quite sure how to predict this. I expect Coyote to target to drum clusterbot though and it should be able control proceedings with its jaws.

Winner: Coyote via Judges' decision (2 points)

Apollo vs. Carbide
The first meeting of the two since the final from the last series, and it probably won't be the last time they face each other in this heat either. The clip showing these two squaring off is literally the only spoilery clip I've seen from this series so far, and although I know it's probably been edited to keep suspense, I do have a bad feeling that at least one of these battles between the two will end very, very quickly. Carbide to immobile Apollo is a ruthless barrage of attacks before damaging it further once Apollo stops moving.

Winner: Carbide via KO (3 points)

Apollo vs. Crackers 'N' Smash
Crackers 'N' Smash may nag away here and there, but Apollo should do more than enough to win this. Hopefully we see the clusterbots launched out of the arena - that'd be a sight.

Winner: Apollo via KO (3 points)

Coyote vs. Carbide
I don't really know if Coyote will prove to be resolute enough or not, but against Carbide I don't think basically anything is, so it should be a cleansweep for David Moulds and Sam Smith.

Winner: Carbide via KO (3 points)

Carbide vs. Apollo
Again, I just cannot see this lasting long. Carbide should be stronger than ever this series, and although Apollo at its best can deal with Carbide, I just don't see it being able to do anything this time around, especially with what should prove to be rather comfortable wins throughout the heat for Carbide. This could also easily throw the potential of Apollo's wildcard slot in doubt, and Thor may well be on for back to back Grand Finals.

Episode winner: Carbide

Conclusion
Carbide has been my favourite to win this series for a while now, and I can't see the champion being able to stop the run to at least the Grand Final. I honestly can't see Carbide being put under any real pressure in any of its battles.