Team Liquid vs Cloud9

This one can really go either way; a complete and utter toss-up. The sheer fact that we can even say such a thing -- despite the fact that this C9 line-up has only played two games thus far -- is a testament to their inherent talent and the fact that the LCS hasn't been this exciting and competitive in what feels like forever.

These two teams are stacked beyond measure, and they have all the right tools and weapons to not only challenge for the LCS throne but perhaps even win it all. We didn't have any doubts for Team Liquid, given just how spectacular they have looked throughout the LCS Lock-In, but we sure did have our reservations for Cloud9, and naturally so. But all of those doubts were erased immediately right after their very first game. It was a shellacking, and the same can be said for their second triumph as well. And it's not just the fact that they have won but also the way in which it all happened.

This Cloud9 line-up has an obscene amount of hype behind it, and they've earned it fair and square. Can they maintain it, though? Against an opponent as capable and dangerous as Team Liquid? We doubt it. They'll no doubt make it insanely competitive, but TL have the tools to counter and get away with the win. They're not going to fall prey to C9's creative drafts as they have some of the very best players around -- legends, even. Those enchanters in mid are only as effective when they're a surprise, and the novelty factor has definitely worn off. And, at the very least, they can always be banned out.

Cloud9 surely have a bunch of other team comps prepared, but we just don't see them getting the win here -- their lacking synergy should prove to be a problem against a team as experienced and capable as Team Liquid. With that being said, there have been many crazy, inexplicable upsets this week, so if you're feeling adventurous, you might as well give them the nod. We would advise against it, but stranger things have occurred over the last two days, so it might be worth the shot.