The penultimate week of LCO Split 2’s regulation season comes to a close tonight, and this evening’s games are packed with importance, as Peace’s playoffs hopes hang by a thread.
Peace’s loss to Order last night has brought the death knell ever closer, as Kanga grew their lead in the standings.
A Kanga victory against Mammoth will require Peace to do the seemingly impossible and defeat the unbeatable Chiefs to keep their season alive.
It would be an unfortunate result of a season long inability to find form for Peace who, despite packing a strong roster, will be disappointed to be eliminated from the playoffs frame.
The playoff race for second place also heats up as Order and Dire Wolves face up to claim both sole second seed but also, claim the head-to-head record.
An Order victory should see them comfortably ride out the final week to second, however, a Dire Wolves win could see them claim second on head-to-head.
At the same time, however, they will have opened up the door for Pentanet to come crashing through at the last minute, who take on Gravitas.
This is a must win if they are to ever claim second place come season end, and will be looking to bounce back after a one sided loss to the Chiefs.
As playoff seedings heat up the pick of the week belongs to the match between Order and Dire Wolves in the battle for second.
Matthews’ Pick of the Week – Dire Wolves (11-7) vs Order (11-7)
One of the most crucial matches remaining in the race for second place, Dire Wolves face Order for the potential to finish in second seed. Order has the easiest road home of the two, and a victory would make it difficult to be caught even with a loss to Kanga or Mammoth next week.
However, in the case of a Dire Wolves victory, things get a little more interesting.
A Dire Wolves and Pentanet playoff in the opener of the final day would open the door to either of these three teams to claim second depending on results.
A DW loss to Pentanet could see them sneaking from behind to claim second over both Order and Dire Wolves due to head-to-head records.
The most probable scenario that will take shape is that of an Order victory this evening. I believe that as playoffs nears as hinted to last week, the league will have begun to work out the kinks in Dire Wolves’ armour.
With an importance placed onto limiting the options of Pak Man ”Siuman” Lo, opposition teams can increase their changes of winning by a considerable margin.
Dire Wolves have proven they are more than capable picking up victories playing through other members, and are more than willing to throw numerous curveballs at the opposition to accrue advantages for their players — all while being one of the better teams at playing a team-focused approach to League of Legends.
However, the question remains — will Dire Wolves be able to take victories against fellow top of the ladder teams with Siuman Lo off of his specialist champions? The time to prove this is now as the play off draw nigh and it is crucial that Dire Wolves can expand their wheelhouse in time.
Matthews’ Week 9 Day 2 Predictions
Kanga def. Mammoth
Chiefs def. Peace
Order def. Dire Wolves
Pentanet def. Gravitas
The LCO Split 2 resumes tonight at 6pm AEST, with game of the day Dire Wolves vs. Order set to kick off at 8pm AEST. Catch up on all the split details in our ultimate coverage hub.
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