Team Dignitas vs Cloud9

For our first match of Monday Night League, we have an absolute barnburner -- Cloud9 vs. Team Dignitas. Now, just a couple of weeks ago, this would've been a fight between two teams tied for first. Now, however, with the halfway point of the split behind us, things have somewhat settled into place.

Cloud9 are still as feared and dominant as in the beginning, but that's no longer the case for Team Dignitas. The former LCS champions have one of the best and most talented line-ups in LCS history, with many pundits already predicting a perfect 18-0 regular season sweep. Such a thing might seem nigh impossible, but seeing how they're already 11-0 and have looked downright spectacular in each and every one of their outings, a perfect score might not be all that unrealistic.

But it's not just the stats and the numbers that matter, but rather their in-game decisiveness and mind-blowing cohesion. They resemble the G2 Esports of 2019 in their flexibility, mechanical prowess, and trust in one another. There's absolutely zero hesitation, they're all on the same page and are fighting as a unit no matter how unreasonable the play/engage might be. Because of this, they're often capable of pulling off what is seemingly impossible.

It feels like everyone's riding the Cloud9 hype train and with good reason. If they keep improving and developing they might as well be able to reclaim their long-lost throne. One thing is for certain: the Team Liquid dynasty has never been in so much trouble. If it's top-tier League of Legends you're after, look no further than Cloud9. They're the best and most capable team North America has to offer, and without any obvious weakness, they're set up to succeed throughout 2020.

The only danger from the boys in black and blue could be a noticeable meta shift, but even then you'd expect them to adapt and persevere without much trouble.

Opposite them, we have a struggling Dignitas. Now, make no mistake, this line-up will present a challenge to anyone regardless of the meta primarily because they have experience and mechanical prowess in spades. With three seasoned veterans within their ranks, they have all the right tools to not only reach the playoffs but perhaps even leave a mark in the grand scheme of things.

That said -- as many expected coming into the split -- they're not exactly consistent. They're often too aggressive, at times out of sync, and have yet to show any noticeable ability to adapt and improve. It feels like this is as good as they're going to get, give or take. There's no shame in that, frankly, but given just how much hype and momentum they had behind their backs just a couple of weeks ago, it certainly is a letdown.

Still, there's a lot to like with their line-up and they're never going down without a fight. Cloud9 are heavily favored to get the win, but expect a skirmish-heavy clash that's bound to entertain.