NA LCS Week 4 Preview
Riot·6/13/2014, 8:23:17 PM·0 votes·3 views
We’ve entered the midseason, and what a split has it been so far. The big names of the spring - Cloud9 and TSM - are both showing signs of wear and tear, and their replacements - LMQ and Dignitas - look stronger than ever. Meanwhile, at the bottom of the ladder, Evil Geniuses, Curse, and CompLexity begin a deadly brawl where only one team can make it into playoffs. With it all on the line, which teams can step up and take victory in Week 4 of the NA LCS?
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TSM vs. Cloud9
When: Saturday, June 14, 12:00 PM PDT / 21:00 CEST
An explosive opening match is exactly what everyone wants to see, and TSM facing off against Cloud9 might be just the kickstart we desire. This playoff finals rematch highlights why North America is so exciting right now - neither of these teams are playing their best, and now they have to face each other in order to close the gap to the top teams. Cloud9, at 5-3, are still within spitting distance of the champs. Their loss to EG last week shows some shocking vulnerabilities, and another loss against TSM would leave them tied for fourth place.
TSM, on the other hand, are in nearly the same boat. Spring League MVP Bjergsen is just not getting the job done - against XiaoWeiXiao last week, he only managed a 1.0 KDA. Against Hai this week, he’s going to have to step up his game. For TSM, it’s judgment time. They are at a crossroads right now, and need a win against Cloud9 to maintain that they are still a top team in North America. A few more losses however, and they may be strolling down the path to relegation.
Evil Geniuses vs. LMQ
When: Saturday, June 14, 12:00 PM PDT / 21:00 CEST
Let’s just get it out of our system now: LMQ are have been playing unbelievably well and have skyrocketed themselves to the top of the ladder. After a dismal Week 2, they rebounded to once again go undefeated through a week of games. Now at 6-2, they’re tied with Dignitas in first place, and look like they’re only getting started. Look for fantasy stud XiaoWeiXiao to put up some big numbers in this game.
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There is, however, one major roadblock in LMQ’s way. Evil Geniuses, despite their 2-6 record, had a trick up their sleeve that may bring them back into contention. Their master plan is now unveiled: Korean jungler Helios has joined the team, and will be starting immediately to bring EG back from a disappointing opening. Whether he stays the starter or not, he’ll provide valuable experience to the team and should improve everyone’s play around him, least of all Snoopeh. Helios’ debut will have all eyes intently watching for some exciting new play out of the Evil Geniuses.
CompLexity vs. TSM
When: Sunday, June 15, 1:00 PM PDT / 22:00 CEST
Of the three teams stuck at 2-6, one fact is unavoidable: continuing to lose is a surefire way to face possible removal from the LCS in the promotion matches. If these three don’t step up, they could all be going home. None are under more stress right now than CompLexity.
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The squad triumphed over Coast, despite poor odds, to enter into the LCS. And now, they face the difficult task of playing without jungler Brokenshard, who is having Visa issues. With so many reasons to give up, however, this team is staying strong. Their win against Curse last week kept them in the race, and despite a tough loss to LMQ, they now sit just shy of breaking out of the bottom of the pack.
TSM will prove to be a tough opponent, but considering the powerhouse’s own struggles this split, they might be distracted enough for CompLexity to come out the underdog victors. If TSM lose to Cloud9, expect CompLexity to come out swinging hard in an attempt to catch TSM off-balance.
Cloud9 vs. Dignitas
When: Sunday, June 15, 3:00 PM PDT / 00:00 CEST
Cloud9 get no rest this week, and face the 6-2 Dignitas just a day after what promises to be a brawl with TSM. The former split champs will have to dig deep if they want to stay alive in this one.
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Dignitas, on the other hand, have a relatively easy Day 1 against Curse. With Shiphtur continuing to deliver big each week, the team is firing on all engines and on a collision course with first place unless somebody can stop them. Scarra’s coaching abilities have proven to be fantastic, and with him guiding the rebuilt squad, Dignitas may just be unstoppable. Can Cloud9 throw this train off its tracks, or will Dignitas squash the two-time title holders underfoot? The only way to find out is to tune in for this clash of the titans.