OPL Split 1, Week 7: Match Predictions

Luckily, our full cohort of match prediction specialists are back on board for the seventh week of the Oceanic Pro League, with Bernadette “Nadette” Wong back from her travels to help navigate the average Scuffed Tips pundit through the treacherous waters of the league.

It’s a big one for up for the returning expert, as Nadette breaks down two super-teams locking horns for the second time this season, while Emma eyes the potential impact of an Order upset over the Chiefs. Finally, Harry breaks down a playoff battle between Legacy and Gravitas, as both teams continue their bid for postseason action and a chance at that glorious end-to-end gauntlet run.

Emma’s Feature Match of the Week: Order v Chiefs

Well, my tips have been looking significantly better in recent weeks, since I’ve been believing in the heart of the cards! I’m hoping to continue this trend and keep up the positive tip rate. Now onto my chosen feature match this week – Chiefs vs Order.

With the Chiefs looking to cement themselves in their solid second, and Order looking for a redemption weekend, it’s sure to be an explosive matchup. The Chiefs are sitting in a comfortable second, with two wins separating them from Avant Gaming at the moment. Order on the other hand, are still tied fifth with Gravitas, and are fresh off the back of a difficult 0-2 weekend.

With Order now on a five-game loss streak, they have a lot of work to do to redeem themselves in the standings. The experienced team did well in the early stages of the split, but haven’t been able to find their footing since. While most of their losses have been against the top-tier teams, a loss to Legacy in Week 5 battered their confidence, and it seems like they’re having trouble. This week, they’re facing off against the Chiefs, another top placed team, and then against the Dire Wolves. Will Order be able to get the redemption game against the Chiefs?

Last time these two teams faced off, it was an exciting match that tipped in Order’s favour. Since then, the Chiefs have cemented themselves in the upper echelons of the table, with only two losses since that Order defeat. They’re a solid squad armed with a formidable team composition, feature the clutch mid laner Brandon “Claire” Nguyen, and teamed with an explosive squad makes for a scary opponent. I’m sure this time around they will ensure that they do not underestimate their opponents again, and bring everything they have against Order.
I’m feeling like the Chiefs have this win, mainly due to Order having a rough time finding their footing in this meta where the mid-game leads are important, and the Chiefs are thriving. I think it’ll be a great match with both teams needing these crucial wins.

Emma’s Week 7 Tips:

Nadette’s Feature Match of the Week: Bombers v Mammoth

After spending the past few weeks overseas and making more questionable blind tips than usual, I’m back; refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to get back to my OPL predictions. This week, the Bombers and Mammoth will head into this weekend with a streak of victories behind them, but only one will be able to keep theirs going come the first game on Friday evening.

The Bombers have been dominating the competition in a comfortable first place position with only one game dropped during the split, resting at 11-1 as of Week 6’s standings. However, Mammoth are coming in spicy-lemon-hot with a five game win-streak on their tail; and they’re looking to stampede the competition to turn their 7-5 into an 8-5.

The first clash between these two teams saw an extremely convincing victory in favour of the high flying Bombers due to the faults of the top side of the map. Mammoth has already proven themselves against the likes of second-placed Chiefs, and are only looking to climb higher, willing to take down any obstacles that stands in their way.

At this stage, however, I believe that the Bombers are a stronger force overall, and continue to maintain their consistency across the map match after match. Despite this, there’s no doubt in my mind that the clash between these titans will be one of the most entertaining matches of the week.

Nadette’s Week 7 Tips:

Harry’s Feature Match of the Week: Gravitas v Legacy

Friday evening sees a clash between Gravitas and Legacy Esports, one that – on paper at least – was not too close just a few weeks ago. After a three-game win streak, Gravitas fall to have an 0-2 week, whilst Legacy picked a win their second win in three games after a seven-game losing streak.

After going on a nice little hot streak, this week has been anything but for the newest OPL team. Friday night saw them fall against the Chiefs Esports Club in a match that saw them keep up with their opposition trading kills and objectives before ultimately a 35 minute, four dragon Elder secure from Jordan “Only” Middleton saw the Chiefs run over the gravy boys and their base. Saturday saw them face their fellow Melbournians, the resurgent Mammoth lineup. Much like Friday, they were able to keep it close with their opponents for 30 minutes, trading kills and objectives, before a second Baron Nashor secure from Mammoth saw them run a stampede on everything Gravitas had left to secure the victory.

Legacy had a more successful weekend. Friday saw the most recent chapter in a historical rivalry against Avant Gaming, which saw the boys backed by the Adelaide Crows almost outscale their opposition, before Avant where able to secure the Baron and a five dragon Elder buff at the same time to bulldoze the trees’ base and win the game. Saturday saw them lineup against the defending champion in the Dire Wolves, who now find themselves at the bottom of the ladder. A 30-minute tussle ensued and saw Legacy come out on top after a combination of outscaling from Carbon’s boys and questionable play from the Wolfpack, seeing them secure their third victory of the split and the head-to-head over the Wolves.

This week is a true litmus test for both organisations. If either team want to have a chance at their public playoff intentions, a win in this game will be critical to achieving their goals. Ultimately I see this game being really close, but ultimately going to Gravitas, who I think is a slightly more talented squad at a micro and macro level.

Harry’s Week 7 Tips:

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The OPL’s seventh week kicks off at 4pm this Friday with one of the biggest battles of the split – the high-flying Bombers up against a resurgent and red-hot Mammoth. Watch live on the new RiotGamesOCE Twitch channel, find more information and the full fixtures schedule at oce.lolesports.com.

Follow @ammeplays, @NadetteOCE and @hispanicatd_ on Twitter.