After a long hiatus, the Overwatch League is back in action this weekend. Playing remotely, and online, fans are being treated to 16 matches over the course of two days. With many teams making their return to the Overwatch League stage, and some of them making their very long anticipated debut, the Defiant land in the middle of this action packed weekend with some chances to even out the score.
The last time fans saw the Toronto Defiant, the team wasn’t looking particularly strong. With heavy handed losses coming to them at the whims of the Florida Mayhem and the Houston Outlaws, the Defiant are on a road to recovery. This weekend gives them two chances to redeem themselves from falling into the very bottom of the power rankings. While one match-up could be a little more decisive, the other proves difficult for this struggling team.
Boston Uprising (1-4 ), Mar 28
Currently, the Boston Uprising share the same win record as the Toronto Defiant. The best thing about this otherwise unexciting game is that one of these teams is going to get a win. Ideally, it should be Toronto. Though the Defiant have been struggling for a while to find their footing, they’re still a team that took the dominant Philadelphia Fusion to a map five. It’s hard to say whether their skill is based on merit, but in most categories, the Defiant win against the Uprising.
What fans should be worried about is their tank line. During a week where Winston is banned, British main tank Cameron “Fusions” Bosworth will likely have the upper hand. In a meta shift that can allow him to play both Reinhardt and Orisa, there’s a large chance he could outplay his rather shaky counterpart, newcomer Adam “Beast” Denton. Boston’s fresh offtank Walid “Mouffin” Bassal has also been performing better than Toronto’s own Andreas “Nevix” Karlsson. While fans can be hopeful that Toronto’s stronger DPS line will give them a win, this game could be scrappier than intended.
PREDICTION: Toronto win 3-2
Player to Watch: KariV
While the tanks and the DPS will see most of the prime time, there’s a hidden matchup in the backline that will surely impress. Flex support Young-seo “KariV” Park will be paired against a considerably impressive Sang-min “Myunbong” Seo. With how many ups and downs these two teams can face against one another, this fight between these two flex supports will determine who has the upper hand. If KariV can hold his own alongside his main support (and former Boston Uprising player) Kristian “Kellex” Keller, Toronto could secure this victory sooner rather than later.
London Spitfire (3-2), Mar 29
Toronto face a more intense opponent on Sunday in the London Spitfire. Though this team is full of fresh talent, fans were cautious to throw their support behind them. Since the beginning of the League, however, this new team has proven they’ve got the chops to live up to their branding legacy. With breakout stars in the form of Gil-seong “Glister” Lim and Se-won “BERNAR” Shin, the Spitfire look to claim another victory over this Canadian team.
The outcome from the Uprising game will determine the momentum that the Defiant bring into a slightly tougher match. In most categories, the Spitfire have the upper hand. While the Defiant are full of talented players, the Spitfire seem to play with something Toronto lacks — synergy. While superstars like Lane “Surefour” Roberts will certainly do their best to earn some map wins, coming off a loss from a team like Boston could affect their game play. The loss streak they’ve managed to find themselves in is upsetting, and the Defiant need a victory to boost their confidence. In the end, this win will likely go the way of the Spitfire.
PREDICTION: London wins, 3-1
Player to Watch: Nevix
The Spitfire have impressive DPS players, and the Defiant can find their own stride in matching up against their aggression. The trick that will keep them in this game is Nevix. If he can hold his own against whoever the Spitfire choose to field, the Defiant have a fighting chance. Though that chance is rather slim, it’s important that Nevix can go toe to toe with the best and come out looking impressive. The Defiant only have Beast and Nevix to rely on in these situations, and Nevix really has a chance to prove himself against a roster with more depth. If he can pull it off, the Defiant could look better than ever.
Featured Image Courtesy of Ben Pursell for Blizzard Entertainment.
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