Fnatic vs Misfits

Next up we have arguably the best and most exciting clash of the day: Fnatic vs. Misfits Gaming. Now, had someone told you a couple of months ago that this would've been the match of the day, you would've probably laughed them out of the room. Right now, however, as things stand, this is definitely a clash between two exceptionally talented rosters, both of whom are tied for first in the standings after five weeks of play.

Let that one sink in. This isn't the result of a week or two, which means this is no accident. Misfits truly are a top-tier team and while they're definitely not perfect, they've earned their spot at the top. This is exactly what makes this match-up so darn exciting. Now, granted, it would've been endlessly more exciting had they not lost to Rogue last Saturday, but it's still a must watch regardless.

Fnatic are entering this clash as about much hype as possible after taking down both Rogue and Origen last week. With G2 Esports underperforming, Fnatic are *the* team to beat right now, and when they're playing their best League of Legends, they're a bona fide behemoth. Their game against Origen certainly took everyone by surprise. After losing their first match-up a couple of weeks ago, everyone wondered how well they would perform the second time around. Fnatic knew they had to throw a curveball in order to get the lead early on and they certainly succeeded. Their draft was immaculate and the same can be said for their play as well. There's a lot to like with this incarnation of Fnatic and they keep surprising us with each passing week as well. They're unhinged, really, constantly on the offensive, always looking to make a play, eke out an advantage, or fight for something on the map. This kind of urge often backfires, but at least they have a proactive approach. Even if they take things too far they can always tone it down a bit.

Bwipo, Selfmade, and Hylissang are always on the frontlines, engaging, dashing, jumping into danger, with Nemesis and Rekkles dishing out follow-up damage. It's a fascinating mix of offensive and defense, and they're definitely making it work. Again, they're not perfect, but watching them in action is an absolute treat. When they have a bad game, however, they're far less entertaining, but at least they're trying stuff out. There's no reason not to, after all.

Opposite them, we have Misfits Gaming. No one's quite sure what to make of them, frankly, and that's not for a lack of trying. Their monumental seven game win streak was ended by Rogue last week but their stock didn't take too big of a hit. They lost fair and square but they looked good in defeat, which important. Everyone expected this Misfits line-up to implode and yet they improved week after week and have looked like a very talented, highly dangerous top-tier contender. Razork and Febiven are obviously doing the grunt of the work, but the rest of the team deserves a lot of praise as well. Denyk and Bvoy are hard to read but are definitely a fantastic bottom lane duo, and Dan Dan has been carrying his fair share of the weight as well.

If Razork and Febiven pop off, Misfits can truly tango with the best teams the LEC has to offer. We've seen it time and time again, with many pros praising their synergy and sheer talent over the last five weeks. They're also capable of exploiting even the smallest of mistakes which is commendable seeing how they haven't been playing as a five-man unit for long. They're far from perfect, and even though most of their wins have small asterisks next to them, they should not be underestimated going forward. You don't get to tie for first place halfway into the split through sheer luck.

This time, however, we simply have to side with Fnatic. They've improved leaps and bounds from week one and are currently looking like the best, most dangerous and capable team in the region. That's quite a big compliment seeing how they're competing with the likes of G2 and Origen, but it's well-deserved. They're still synergizing but have done more than enough to warrant our full benefit of the doubt. Still, Misfits are no pushover and will surely trade heavy blows from the moment they step foot on stage. In any case, expect an absolute barnburner.