LOL LEC Spring Week 7 – Day 2 Betting Previews and Predictions
Schalke 04 vs Astralis
Saturday. March 6 – 17:00 CET
If we compare these two sides on the individual level, Schalke 04 should win with ease, but we have to consider this team hasn’t won a single match in their last seven, so it’s fair to question the players’ morale. And let’s not forget their organization is dealing with financial issues and might be forced to sell their LEC team.
Losing streaks have their tool on players, and it’s fairly obvious they’re frustrated from looking at the interviews and the in-game cameras, however, we can’t deny Schalke 04 played much better yesterday. Draft, however, was a bit “eeh”.
Due to Schalke’s struggles, it might make sense to side with the underdogs, but I have a hard time believing Astralis will have a legitimate chance to win. Their stylistically don’t match up against S04, who also have nothing more to lose, which usually inspires better performances as they are now playing without any pressure.
Prediction: Schalke 04 to win – 1.523 Pinnacle
Team Vitality vs Excel
Saturday. March 6 – 18:00 CET
I was quite excited about Excel heading into this season and while they have shown some glimpses of greatness early on, they are just not in a great spot currently. Team Vitality, on the other side, looked bad early on, but have shown big improvement of late, essentially meaning we have a match between two teams that are trending in opposite directions.
A win for Vitality here doesn’t mean much since they’re essentially locked out of the playoffs, whereas Excel are under a lot of pressure. They need to win, otherwise, their chances of making it into the playoffs become zero to none.
I expect a close and perhaps a slightly longer affair, however, the eye test proves to me that Vitality are the stronger side. As long as they can play the same way they have of late, this should be a win for the Bees.
Prediction: Team Vitality to win – 1.847 Pinnacle
Prediction: Over 33:00 – 1.775 Pinnacle
Fnatic vs SK Gaming
Saturday. March 6 – 19:00 CET
SK are looking very good, but this team is not nearly as polished as their record would suggest. They often find themselves in a losing position, yet still find a way to claw their way to a victory, which is worth something, but it also shows they’re a bit lucky to be sitting so high up the table.
Fnatic continues to show an extremely volatile playstyle, but that is not necessarily bad. In a way, their aggressive playstyle is their new identity and I expect them to further polish it as the season goes on.
Fnatic’s volatile ways could easily earn them a loss here, but we must take into account Fnatic are a very potent early-game team, which will work wonders against SK tend to struggle early on. In fact, this is probably the toughest opponent SK can face (stylistically) and unless they find a way to slow Fnatic down, SK will be in a world of hurt.
Prediction: Fnatic to win – 1.420 Pinnacle
MAD Lions vs Rogue
Saturday. March 6 – 20:00 CET
I don’t know why this is the match of the week, as it is not even close. Anyone betting against Rogue for this match is either extremely brave or doesn’t know what he’s doing and that’s taking it lightly. Rogue are besides G2 one of the most dominant teams in the LEC and I would go even so far as to say they’re a level or two above the rest of the league – including MAD Lions.
There are of course a lot of differences between these two sides. MAD Lions are a more volatile, unpredictable team, whereas Rogue are consistent and reliable, and it’s easy to see why you would prefer the latter especially when Rogue have better individual talent.
That is not to say MAD Lions are a bad team. They have looked improved late, however, they haven’t really faced any tough opponents, so we should take their improvement with a grain of salt. What I don’t like about MAD is their bottom lane, who have become very unreliable and often lose their lanes, which won’t do them any favors against Rogue.
Last time out Rogue stomped MAD Lions and I don’t believe this match will be any different.
Prediction: Rogue to win – 1.55 Pinnacle
G2 Esports vs Misfits Gaming
Saturday. March 6 – 21:00 CET
There is really not a lot to be said about this match. While Misfits have been looking better in their recent games, we have to consider that they have yet to defeat any strong teams. In fact, their only wins came against Astralis, Excel and Schalke, which hardly convinces you they will stand a chance against the likes of G2.
Against Rogue, Misfits got stomped into the dirt and assuming G2 are stronger than Rogue, it’s easy to make a connection and predict how this one will go. Last time out, Misfits and G2 produced a clown fiesta, but not necessarily because Misfits played at the same level as G2, but rather because G2 were clearly having a bit too much fun.
This will be a complete blowout win for G2.
Prediction: G2 Esports – 8.5 kills – 1.869 Pinnacle
