Team Liquid vs CLG

Next up, after the North American el clasico, we have yet another clash that's worthy of your undivided attention: Team Liquid vs. Counter Logic Gaming. Now, granted, this isn't a premier match-up per se, but it's still incredibly competitive and fun in every way, shape, and form. It's also a clash between two age-old North American organizations, although only Liquid has managed to remain relevant in the broader LCS landscape.

Regardless, both teams have their own distinct narratives coming into 2020 Summer, and they've been performing much better than most people thought. Liquid, for example, is currently a Top 3 team, and while they haven't exactly been all that consistent (or convincing even in victory), it's hard to fault them too much seeing how they're getting wins on the board. They're experimenting, they're finding their footing as a five-man line-up and such a road isn't without its own challenges and obstacles. What's important is that they've improved tenfold from Spring and are finally looking like an actual top-tier challenger in the making. They're much more cohesive, they're doing things as a team, they're setting up plays in advance, and they've improved on an individual level as well. This isn't the championship-level Team Liquid of old, but it's darn close, and they'll only get better as time goes on. With Impact, Broxah, Jensen, and CoreJJ on board, this team has as good a chance as any to lock down a ticket for the upcoming World Championship in China and represent their region on the biggest of stages. They're just stacked from top to bottom, and even Tactical -- their Academy AD carry -- has been performing exceptionally well, especially when we factor in his overall inexperience.

Counter Logic Gaming, on the other hand, has much less potential both in the moment as well as in the long-term. They're just not as good, neither as a team nor on an individual level. Still, despite their inherent flaws and limited skill ceiling, they're performing much better than anyone expected and have a puncher's chance of getting the win no matter the opponent. They're fairly flexible, their drafts have improved, and they're also fully aware of their biggest strengths and weaknesses. This doesn't mean they always do what's right, but they're definitely in the running for playoffs and have done more than enough to earn our benefit of the doubt.

In essence, this is a clash between two relatively inconsistent teams. Liquid is better in every sense of the word, but they don't always show it on the Rift. They're indecisive, slow to move and react, and are just unwilling to take any risks. Still, they do so many things right ("by the book") and their macro is impeccable -- even if they don't start off on the right foot they'll find a way to keep things competitive. CLG, however, just doesn't have that kind of control and they're more prone to making egregious mistakes once those hectic five-on-five team fights break out. They tend to crumble and fail when their backs are against the wall, which should, in theory, allow Liquid to capitalize and get the win.

We're siding with the former LCS champions on this one, but this could be a lot more competitive than people think. CLG is no slouch at this point in time, and they're fully reveling in their underdog status. Still, even at their best, they pale in comparison to Team Liquid.