Los Angeles Gladiators vs Dallas Fuel

Yet another endlessly interesting clash, and also one that is far harder to predict than most people expect. We have a fight between the Los Angeles Gladiators, and the Dallas Fuel.

Now, while this isn't exactly a clash between two of the best teams in the League, it should still bring a lot of fireworks, that's for sure. Both teams are entering Stage 3 looking to build on their recent success. Then again, we need to define their "success" in a bit more detailed manner.

Both teams reached the Stage 2 playoffs so that, in and of itself, is a great success, especially considering just how competitive the Overwatch League became in 2019. The Gladiators had a spectacular 6W-1L record along with a very respectable plus ten map differential, which allowed them to get sole possession of fourth place, right behind London Spitfire and above the New York Excelsior.

They were one of the toughest teams to read throughout the stage. They had some insane strategies and they also had the talent and mechanical prowess which were necessary in order to pull things off. Even though they didn't have the hardest of schedule, they were still able to emerge victorious more often than not.

The Dallas Fuel weren't much different, although their schedule definitely wasn't hard. They scored five wins with just two losses, and were able to end up sixth once the dust settled.

That's success, without a doubt. The problem is, once they entered the playoffs, they were demolished across the board. The Fuel were forced to fight against the Stage 1 champions Vancouver Titans (which ended in the only way it could), whereas the Gladiators met a swift and merciless fate at the hands of a game New York Excelsior.

So coming into Stage 3, we know these two teams are capable of great things, but just how strong they really are still remains to be seen. They're two solid contenders, but they don't seem ready to take on the upper echelon of the Overwatch League just yet. They have their own distinct playstyles and strengths, but when it matters the most, they've always fallen short of the mark.

This time around, however, we simply have to side with the Gladiators. They're the more flexible team and should be able to get the win. That said, Dallas never go down without a fight, and they're fielding a deceptively capable, highly dangerous six-man roster that will surely bring the fight over to the Gladiators. Expect a nerve-wracking series that will be decided by the slimmest of margins.