Team Liquid: LCS Week 5 Preview

The 2019 LCS Summer Split has been brought back into the spotlight after Rift Rivals took place this past weekend. After three days of fun, yet competitive action, Europe was crowned winner over North America. EU’s recent dominance at MSI and their historic performances at World’s only made this result less shocking. However, Team Liquid made sure to leave their mark. A rough start had spectators weary, but they managed to find their stride and win each of their remaining three matches.

Despite the European dominance elsewhere, Team Liquid were the sliver of light for NA at Rift Rivals. Their recent momentum has turned into plenty of wins, both in the LCS and at international events. This should have them feeling good heading into a tough Week 5 in the Summer Split.

Week 5 Match-Ups

With four weeks settled already, the standings have begun to reflect the parody of the league. Earlier, there were many teams clumped at the top, but the competition has divided since. In fact, Team Liquid now holds sole possession of 1st place with a record of 6-2. Their two losses were victim of a poor start, but they’ve been able to turn it around and win four straight.

Image Courtesy of LoL Esports Flickr.

This weekend will start off with a bang for TL, as they face Cloud9. C9 more notably tied Team Liquid for the best record during the Spring Split a few months back, but they haven’t been playing at that level recently. Their winless weekend at Rift Rivals was certainly a surprise considering the sheer talent on their roster. However, C9 have been prone to falling short against top teams. During this season alone, they are 0-3 against Team Liquid. With so much momentum in TL’s favor, history will likely repeat itself this weekend.

Day 2 will be a bit of a different story for Team Liquid, as they take on an improving 100 Thieves squad. After starting the summer with five straight losses, 100T have responded with three consecutive wins. One of their most impressive victories was against Cloud9 in Week 4, so it’s safe to say that they’re moving in the right direction. On the other hand, Team Liquid haven’t lost to 100 Thieves since spring of 2018. The overall talent, experience and game knowledge on the side of TL has been too much for 100T in the past, making it hard to visualize an intact win streak for them after this weekend.

Predictions

History is on the side of Team Liquid this weekend, giving them the edge going into Week 5. Their opponents in Cloud9 and 100 Thieves have looked promising to say the least, but they lack the soundness that TL play with. On almost all levels in that regard, Team Liquid remain on top because of their willingness to prove themselves in any situation. No matter whether they play domestically or on an international stage, they’re able to find their ground and make something of it.

Image Courtesy of Korizon Esports.

Even though Cloud9 will likely put up a good fight, there shouldn’t be much in the way of Team Liquid and a victory. On paper, both the Bottom and Mid Lane advantages are in favor of TL. However, Dennis ‘Svenskeren‘ Johnsen of C9 has made a case for being the best Jungler in North America. This should make the match-up all the more interesting despite TL’s recent dominance.

As for 100 Thieves, their fate should be similar to that of Cloud9. Three straight wins would normally be enough to even things up, however TL’s stretch is one game longer and a bit more impressive. On top of that, Team Liquid are known to start rolling once they figure things out, so this weekend will be telling as to where they are in that process. For the most part, it seems as though the snowball has already started.

Featured Image Courtesy of Riot Games.

You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles!

Follow Brayden on Twitter and Instagram: @staybrayzy

From Our Haus to Yours.