OPL Split 1, Week 9: Match Predictions

If the Bombers want to keep their first seed heading into the postseason, they cannot drop a game. For the Chiefs, who have moved just one win away from their title rivals, Legacy Esports now stand in their way as they chase a perfect 5-0 to close out the split.

An interesting battle has also emerged between Mammoth and Gravitas, as both look to overthrow third placed Avant Gaming and earn themselves that valuable late-round entry into the finals gauntlet.

While Emma tracks down the possibility of a league-defining upset in the OPL El Clasico, both Harry and Nadette turn the microscope onto the gauntlet hopefuls – Avant Gaming, Mammoth, Gravitas and Order, all of whom are fighting to keep their season alive past the Super Week on the horizon.

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

Ahhh, the El Clasico of the Oceanic Pro League – Legacy Esports vs the Chiefs Esports Club. Two of the oldest organisations face off in what is set to be either the greatest victory of Legacy’s split, or just another standard win for the Chiefs.

After a tough battle last weekend against the Bombers, the Chiefs have shown they are the team to beat after a great 2-0 weekend. Legacy currently sit on the other end of the ladder, coming in off the back of a 0-2 weekend after facing the same teams as the Chiefs.

I really believe this is Legacy’s opportunity to bring their A-game, and will be the greatest test to see how their game has improved from the beginning of the split. As much as I want to put all my faith in the Legacy basket, I do believe the Chiefs have the talent to take this one.

The Chiefs have been on form in the past few weeks, picking up crucial wins that have secured their place in the top spots in the standings. Depending on how the rest of the weeks go, they’re in with a shot at the first seed going into the crucial gauntlet matches. With the cumulative competitive experience of the Chiefs, it shows in magnitudes over the building Legacy squad. Legacy have improved in their recognition of win conditions, and hopefully with improved early game decision making they can improve overall. The Chiefs have this win in the bag I think, but it would be a great David-Goliath story if they manage to topple their towering rivals.

With past results and experiences pointing in the Chiefs’ favour, it’s looking like it’ll be a solid victory for them. However, I wouldn’t completely disregard Legacy’s chances. Their hopes rest on a solid mid game, and if they can unlock that there’s slim chance they can nab that massive upset in the second last week of the split.

Emma’s Week 9 Tips:

Nadette’s Feature Match of the Week: Avant v Order

Avant Gaming and Order are heading onto the Rift this coming Saturday evening for their final clash of the regular season. As of right now, Avant sit at a tied third position with Mammoth, sporting nine wins, while Order are in sixth following their convincing victory against Legacy.

Going into this weekend, Avant look to 3-0 the boys from Melbourne while their opponent seeks vengeance following the result of their previous clashes. I believe Avant will take the victory by a hair as long as their form is pulled together following their fruitless eighth week – the first time the team has suffered a 0-2 round in 2019.

Despite a few hiccups in Avant’s record, they’ve managed to maintain a consistency in their draft and on the Rift, especially when compared to their opponent. While Order has been cooking up the occasional storm, they’ve also proven themselves to be a bit of a loose cannon with an inconsistent performance shown from week to week.

I believe the blue side team can take the victory as long as they continue to draft well and don’t take their opponents for granted. They’ll be able to wrap up the weekend on a high note by taking a perfect score against the Order boys, the win being just within their grasp.

Nadettes’s Week 9 Tips:

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

Friday afternoon sees a potential league defining clash between Mammoth and Gravitas. Both teams are in the race for playoff spots, and a win in this match will do wonders for either squad. Coming into Week 9, Mammoth finds themselves tied for third place at 9-7, but officially behind Avant as they own the head to head. The newest OPL team find themselves in 5th place at 8-8, a game ahead of Order who are currently on the cusp of missing playoffs.  Both teams saw themselves achieve a 2-0 last week, although the double victories both came against an out-of-form Avant and the cellar dwelling Dire Wolves.

Mammoth and Gravitas should bring their best to this game. Because first and second seed are all but secured for the Bombers and Chiefs, the focus has shifted to third place, and with four horses still in the race every game will count from here on in. I ultimately see this game going to Mammoth, but it’ll be close.

These two teams have been best described as consistently inconsistent during this split, but in a match up where both teams are firing at all cylinders, Mammoth should clutch it out as they are far better team both on paper and in practice. Previous meetings also suggest this will go in their favour, as the tusky boys have achieved the victory on the two previous occasions. Either way, this match up will be fiery and will be a potential preview of what we should expect this gauntlet.

Harry’s Week 9 Tips:

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Week 9 in the Oceanic Pro League begins this Friday at 4pm, when Bombers look to bounce back against Order. 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.