EU LCS Week 8 Preview

 

Super Week is back, and with it comes some crunch time for teams looking to get into the playoffs. Some look to be making late season pushes, such as SK Gaming and the Copenhagen Wolves. For other teams, pickings are beginning to look a bit grim, especially for Alliance and Millenium, who have 6-10 and 5-11 records, respectively.

ROCCAT vs. Gambit

When: Tuesday, 3/4, 18:00 CET / 9:00 AM PST
With Fnatic out of the equation, it’s time for these two to prove once and for all who is Europe's rightful king. ROCCAT have trounced Gambit both times they’ve met so far but they're on a three-game losing streak, and have never looked more vulnerable. Also note, the second time these teams played, Gambit had four subs; this match signifies the first time since Week 2 that these teams go head to head at full capacity.

 

The critical focus here will be on the mid lane. Overpow ended with a 15.0 KDA when Gambit allowed him to use Kayle in Week 2. Gambit will have to be especially wary during champion select to not shoot themselves in the foot like they did in January - and Alex Ich cannot have another 1/3/0 performance.

Supa Hot Crew vs. Alliance

When: Tuesday, 3/4, 20:00 CET / 11:00 AM PST
Both of these teams went 1-1 last week. Despite the Crew’s prominence just a few weeks ago when they nearly cracked the top three, they’re back towards the bottom. They need a win. But the same can be said for Alliance, who at times looked like the dominant team they were predicted to be. Will the second Super Week finally unveil everything for Alliance? Or will the Crew rally behind their star AD Carry, MrRalleZ, and pull out a victory?

There is, of course, a few major tells leading into this game. Not only does Supa Hot Crew have a 2-0 record against Alliance, but MrRalleZ has never died. That’s right; RalleZ has a 17/0/17 score line when it comes to facing Froggen and Co. Step 1 for Alliance on Tuesday will be ending that streak—only then will they have a shot at taking down the Crew.

Gambit vs. Copenhagen Wolves

When: Wednesday, 3/5, 20:00 CET / 11:00 AM PST
It’s hard not to take a moment to be proud of what the Copenhagen Wolves have achieved thus far. In Week 5, the team was 4-8, facing down the barrel of relegation. Now, they’re 8-8, and another win or two could put them easily into the top three. The Wolves are putting on an impressive display of what to do right. The LCS is a game of endurance, and the winners are the ones who can play with consistency. The Wolves look to be the only team at the top of their game right now.

Gambit will be their toughest matchup yet. Both prior matchups have gone in Gambit’s favor—Genja has a 31.0 KDA against them. For the Copenhagen Wolves to continue their winning streak they’ll have to do more than just play consistent; they’re going to have to show that they can play at the highest levels, too.

Millenium vs. Fnatic

When: Wednesday, 3/5, 22:00 CET / 1:00 PM PST
Evaluating how Millenium got to the bottom of the rankings isn’t a difficult thing to do. They have been hot and cold all season long. Their hot moments—two wins against SK, and a win each against SHC and Fnatic. Their cold moments—everything else.

Their last game against Fnatic in Week 5 was Millenium at their best. The day before, they took 10 kills in a brutal game against Gambit that saw the Russians win after staging a very lucky comeback. Then, they mowed down Fnatic, led by Creaton who threw down a 12.0 KDA. This is a team that has the skill to dominate, but seems to crumble at a moment’s notice. 

This rematch against Fnatic will be an important rebuilding step for both teams. Millenium need another win if they want to re-establish themselves in the LCS. And Fnatic, well, they need a win to avoid entering another disheartening losing streak.