Misfits vs exceL

Misfits vs. EXCEL is by no means an easy match for one to predict. In fact, one could even go a step further and call it a nigh impossible endeavor primarily because neither team has yet hit "operating temperature." They're inconsistent, flawed, and often wholly out of sync. Predicting what'll happen is, therefore, a fool's errand. We simply don't know how things will shake out as there are so many factors at play -- most of which are out of our control.

Both teams have played three games thus far and both have had very good moments and some very bad ones, too. Misfits were, arguably, the far more consistent team, with higher highs and lows that were nowhere near as crippling. They weren't perfect, but whenever they were "on" we were not left indifferent. And that alone is more than enough for us to get hyped -- they're far better and more capable than we thought they'd be.

EXCEL, on the other hand, were nowhere near as impressive. Their two games were absolutely dreadful. The fact that Finn -- the only player that *didn't* have any pre-existing synergy with the rest of the team -- was XL's best performer, speaks volumes. To make matters worse, not once was he set up for success or given priority in the draft. This *did*, in all fairness, change by the time EXCEL faced Vitality, but one simply has to wonder what would've been had they given Finn a bit more agency.

They're all good players and they *do* try their hardest, but if it never results in anything of note, then it *is* worth calling out and criticizing. EXCEL's third game, however, definitely caught our attention. They were able to shore up some of their most egregious flaws right in time for their biggest test yet: a severely gimped (but still mighty dangerous) Team Vitality. It was by no means a masterclass, but they got the job done -- and looked pretty darn good in the process. All in all, given how little we expected of them, it was a showing tantamount to a home run. Then again, getting a win over Vitality isn't really worth much these days. They *are* a "superteam" on paper but they sure didn't play like one. Far from it, in fact.

What we're wondering now is: was it just a one-off thing, a short burst of solid play from EXCEL, or a sign that they, too, can compete with the "big dogs" and, potentially, challenge for a spot in the playoffs? It's obviously way too early to draw any conclusions, but it's nonetheless an interesting thing to ponder on. We're still not convinced, but their last game has definitely piqued our interest.

Misfits will also be a pretty good test, if not an even bigger one than Vitality. They might not be better individually, but they're way more capable than the sum of their parts, and have a far clearer identity than most. They're also flawed and out of sync, but can nonetheless pack one heck of a punch whenever they are given a good enough draft and a bit of wiggle room. Vetheo, in particular, has entered 2022 playing like a man possessed, and you just love to see it -- a young mid lane phenom whose best days are yet to come. He's been putting in the work and boy does it show whenever he steps foot on the Rift to compete!

Misfits might not be better or more experienced than EXCEL on paper (they're the youngest line-up in the LEC, in fact), but they've nonetheless done way more than their peers thus far and have earned our benefit of the doubt -- something that EXCEL has yet to accomplish. With that being said, it'll be a far more competitive affair than most folks would lead you to believe.