After a tough Stage 3, the Boston Uprising look to make their comeback in Stage 4 Week 1. Starting this weekend, the boys in blue will begin their Stage 4 journey, facing off against a few middle of the pack teams that, like themselves, are also trying to bounce back after a tough time. With a 1-6 record in Stage 3, the Boston Uprising need some good, definitive sweeps in order to balance out their map differential. Some of these can come easily, with games against the Florida Mayhem and the Washington Justice providing some comfort. Others, however, will have to be earned, and Boston will have to prove once more why they’re a team the League can never bet against.
Boston Uprising Stage 4 Week 1 Preview
Guangzhou Charge (9-12), July 27th
These teams have a close record, with the Charge earning one more win than the Uprising as of late. Their map differential is also rather close, with the Charge climbing back up the ladder during their late Stage 3 run. Because of this, there’s no way this game will be easy for either team. In a newly enforced 2-2-2 meta, there’s a chance for both of these teams to showcase talents that, beforehand, were concealed by GOATs.
The thing that Boston fans should worry about are the Charge’s new signings. With superstar tank duo Joona “Fragi” Laine and Hyung-seok “Bischu” “Aaron” Kim joining the team over the break, there’s a chance that these benched players will truly show their stuff. The thought that lingers, and maybe prevents the Charge from winning it all, could be a lack of synchronicity. Either way, it’ll be enjoyable to watch these players make their return to the stage.
PREDICTION: Boston wins 3-2
Player to Watch: Fusions
If Fragi is indeed playing, it’ll be a battle of the main tanks taking center stage. Fragi is constantly known for his aggressive Reinhardt play. Going into Stage 4, it’s unsure of how much play time Reinhardt will see versus Orisa, the more popular pick as of late. Regardless of which main tank they’re flexing on, watching Cameron “Fusions” Bosworth and Fragi battle it out for victory will be entertaining for everyone.
Chengdu Hunters (9-12), July 28th
The following day, the Uprising will face another team trying to find their stride in the Chengdu Hunters. People fell in love with the Hunters when they were the first team to truly cast aside a strictly GOATs meta. Main tank Ding “Ameng” Menghan began the Wrecking Ball craze with ease, and their superstar DPS players have consistently shown their stuff on the Blizzard Arena stage.
This game should be a little more worrying for Boston fans. With players like Zhang “YangXiaoLong” Zhihao in the mix, Boston’s gameplay needs to be clean, precise, and top tier in order to compete. There’s a chance for victory here, and so long as the Uprising can avoid being swept, there’s hope for them to push into Week 2 with some confidence after a decisive showing.
PREDICTION: Chengdu wins, 3-2
Player to Watch: Colourhex
Recently, Kelsey “Colourhex” Birse explained how excited he was to be playing damage heroes again, notably Widowmaker. In a question posed about which player he’d most like to duel in Stage 4, YangXiaoLong’s name was certainly in the mix, a player who came into the League with high expectations. Because of this, fans should keep their eyes on these two damage dealers as they fight each other from opposing rooftops. Whoever can find the most value out of the picks they get can surely be the one to lead their team to victory.
Featured Image Courtesy of Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment.
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