100 Thieves vs Team SoloMid

This is undeniably the most important match of the entire week, and yet it's also somewhat... pedestrian. On paper, it is a clash between the number one and two teams in LCS, but you wouldn't be able to tell based on their recent performances. Whether that's because they're slumping or have, instead, opted to experiment a bit still remains to be seen.

In any case, their play leaves a lot to be desired, and it's hard not to be at least a little bit disappointed at their performances. Two of the best teams in North America simply need to be cleaner and more commanding if they intend on leaving a mark internationally. Right now, though, they're about as inconsistent as it gets. Will that change for the better? Almost certainly, but their stock has, in all fairness, taken a hit. Heck, watching the Golden Guardians, Dignitas, and FlyQuest has been a lot more entertaining — they fight with a lot more vigor and determination, they're hungry for the spotlight and are playing like their lives depend on it. The "big dogs," however, are mostly cruising on auto-pilot and are (at times) being punished for it — by the unlikeliest of challengers.

Be that as it may, we know what they're really capable of, and that it's only a matter of time before they huddle up, shore up their weaknesses, and get back to their dominant ways. How long it'll take them to correct course still remains to be seen, but it *will* happen at some point in the near future.

This time around, we'll side with 100 Thieves, but it can really go either way. Both teams are separated by the slimmest of margins, and are neck and neck in terms of talent and long-term potential. Still, 100 Thieves' highs have been a bit more impressive thus far, so we'll give them the benefit of the doubt and hope for the best.