OPL Split 1, Week 8: Match Predictions

This week our talented analysts break down three big clashes in the path to the playoffs, including Avant Gaming’s quest to score a 3-0 record against the super-team Mammoth, and Order’s ambitions to bounce back from a mid-season rut against Legacy.

Finally, Harry breaks down the biggest match of the week in the Bombers and the Chiefs Esports Club – a potential table-shifting battle that could see the Chiefs spring back into contention for a first place finish, or have the Bombers too far ahead in the final rounds of the split.

Emma’s Feature Match of the Week: Mammoth v Avant Gaming

Avant Gaming are coming in hot with a win against Mammoth last weekend. They are the leaders in this match-up, with a 2-0 record over their opponents so far. Mammoth have shown some great improvement over the last few weeks after a shaky few weeks, showing the super-squad is, in fact, super.

If the match last weekend is anything to go by, this week will also be one you cannot miss if you want gameplay and fights that put you on the edge of your seat. I believe Avant are the team to watch for the win. With the back and forth skirmish in the top lane last week seeing Ryan “Chippys” Short picking up first blood courtesy of Vincent “gunkrab” Li’s help, it seemed Avant had an almost perfect start. That was, until Ji-hoon “Topoon” Kim’s Darius picked up a double kill minutes later. From there, it looked as if Topoon was going to completely roll over the game, but Avant’s superior teamfighting and rotations proved key. Neutering Topoon’s power spikes on Darius, the third-placed team closed out the match and scored the win.

Heading into this third clash between Avant and Mammoth, I believe you should be tipping AV. Their solid track record and solid ability to read their opponents to secure the win will help them round out that 3-0 record against the OPL super-team. Avant are definitely looking to cement themselves a playoff spot in the coming weeks, and with strong drafts and the ability to adapt on the fly, I believe they have everything in the bag to secure the win this weekend.

Emma’s Week 8 Tips:

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

The third and final clash of the split between Order and Legacy will take place this Saturday, with each team having scored one win over the other thus far. Order are currently tied fifth with a score of 6-8, while Legacy sit beneath them in seventh on 3-11.

The score for these two teams over the past few weeks are the same however, at 1-3, with both teams claiming victory over the last-placed Dire Wolves in the past two rounds. Although it will be by a narrow margin, my guts(s in the OPL) feeling says Legacy will surpass Order this round, and prove themselves once more.

Prior to their match against the Wolfpack last weekend, Order were on a six game losing streak against every other team in the league. While their established form faltered, Legacy’s was lifted with two wins in six. In terms of skill level, I believe both were equal in their last matchup, but Legacy have planted a seed with their roster that continues to grow with every single match.

Despite the tipsters often being against them, I believe if Legacy maintain their current form and growth they can cause another upset over the struggling boys from Melbourne, and serve the up on a platter come Saturday evening.

Nadette’s Week 8 Tips:

Harry’s Feature Match of the Week: Bombers v Chiefs

Saturday evening will see the final regular season clash between the two top teams in the league, the Bombers and the Chiefs Esports Club. With both orgs coming into this week at first and second respectively and already all-but locked into the postseason gauntlet, this match becomes more based around seeding and head-to-head rather than place confirmation.

The clubs are also coming off another pair of convincing 2-0 weeks, and have to go through each other to score their third on the bounce.

Last Friday both teams ran over their opponents, with the Bombers shellacking Mammoth while Swip3rR’s Kled and the rest of the Chiefs rolled over Order on their way to victory. Saturday saw a similar story for the Bombers against Gravitas, while the Boys in Blue Black resumed their deforestation services in the El Classico against Legacy Esports.

This, much like their two prior meetings this season, should be close. Both teams are able to take any game and push to the win, or achieve a comeback should the early game go against them. With the Chiefs having the knowledge they can knock the Bombers off their perch, as seen in the second week, and wanting revenge for Week 5, I can see them taking the game. With the ten players on these two teams likely all filling out top three spots for their roles in the league, it will be one of the most explosive and highly-skilled clashes we’ll be blessed with this season. All three lane matchups will be close in my opinion, with carry threats coming out of all three as well, but I can see a pop-off from the Chiefs in at least two of their lanes due to their deeper champion pools and counter matchup potential. This regular season has also seen the red side team win both times in the Bombers-Chiefs battle, and with the Chiefs now on the red side again it may be a clean 3-0 for the second-pick side in the OPL.

Harry’s Week 8 Tips:

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Week 8 in the Oceanic Pro League begins this Friday at 4pm, when Avant Gaming face Gravitas. 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.