exceL vs Astralis

Where do we even begin with this one? It's sometimes hard to come up with the right words whenever we cover such an underwhelming clash. It's not a particularly interesting match-up, nor a game that carries any kind of real significance. It's just two bottom-dwellers duking it out and fighting for scraps -- nothing more, nothing less.

If that's something that tickles your fancy (for whatever reason), then you probably need no persuading: you'll tune in no matter what anyone has to say. If, on the other hand, you're on the fence and would rather skip this match entirely, definitely make sure to read on as it actually has a lot more potential than you'd ever be able to tell based on first glance! The old adage "don't judge a book by its cover" comes to mind and it's actually applicable; well, at least to a certain degree

The current meta is exceptionally entertaining and it allows even the worst teams in the league to put on a show and entertain the roaring multitude that tunes in on a weekly basis. These games aren't going to blow anyone's mind as they're totally void of stellar macro and pristine execution, but that doesn't mean there's no reason to tune. Far from it! The skirmish-heavy fiestas often leave just as big of an impression as the comprehensive and layered battles of wit and talent. They, too, can be exhilarating, if a bit one-dimensional and ultimately meaningless.

For us, watching EXCEL and Astralis duke it out on the Rift means nothing at all. Unless, well, you happen to be one of the five people supporting these particular teams. To them, however, this is about as important a game as they've ever played -- there's a ton on the line, even though it might not seem like it. Both teams still believe in their chances of reaching the playoffs, despite the grim odds. That's what keeps them up at night and gives them the motivation to practice and compete -- the faint promise of success and the tantalizing potential of some kind of miracle run; it's a thankless position to be in, no doubt. Not only do they have to endure a series of beatings at the hands of their more capable peers (of which there are many), but also an avalanche of post-game hate and online harassment.

Getting the win here is, therefore, incredibly important. EXCEL want to improve to 3W-4L and, in doing so, keep their playoff hopes alive. It'd be a wholly respectable record, too. Astralis, on the other hand, have yet to get any wins on the board. They're not as dreadful as their record would imply, though, and that's something that needs mentioning. They're by no means solid or well-rounded, but they *did* have a bunch of great plays thus far and can, at times, exceed expectations.

The gap between them and EXCEL really isn't all that big. Both teams are heavily flawed, and both have had some truly egregious moments throughout the last two and a half weeks. Still, the fact that EXCEL's efforts have resulted in a noticeably more impressive tally is by no means a coincidence -- their highs have been much more pronounced. So much so, in fact, that they can almost be counted upon. Everyone knows what they're good at and how to best punish them, but if there's one team that almost certainly isn't up to the task, then it has to be Astralis. They sure will try, but we just don't see them pulling off an upset here.

With that being said, by bringing in Mikyx, EXCEL have sacrificed short-term cohesion and stability for the sake of long-term success. Or, well, a better shot at finding it, to be more exact. This crucial roster change means they probably won't be as "dangerous" or capable as one would expect, but even if that ends up being the case the rest of the team should, by all means, be able to pick up the slack and deliver. Then again, one can never be too certain with EXCEL.