Final Countdown: LA Valiant Countdown Cup Preview

As the clock ticks away the season is coming to a close. Before the end though, the Countdown Cup needs to happen. The Valiant are the sixth seed going into the play-ins, and they will be facing a very familiar team. That’s right, for the second week in a row they will face the Houston Outlaws. Here is what to expect.

LA Valiant Vs. Houston Outlaws

Photo: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment

These teams have ended up in a similar place over the past month. The Outlaws have struggled but their potential is clear after the matches during the past few metas. The LA Valiant meanwhile regressed from their May Melee performance across the two most recent metas. They have not struggled like the Outlaws, but they have not played as well. Both teams remain extremely dangerous. Either team can win this matchup and there is recent history between these two teams. The Valiant beat them just last week in a 5 map thriller in the final fight in map five. This may be a coin flip.

Both rosters somewhat mirror each there in terms of structure. Both of these teams have a top DPS player, KSP & Danteh respectively, with a rotating supporting cast to fill out the other role. Jecse and Rain, both underrated main supports going into this season, are now two of the better main supports in the league. Meanwhile, McGravy and Meko are both pretty good off tanks, Meko being slightly better. The Valiant have an advantage at two positions, flex support and main tank. At flex support, Lastro is miles better than Rawkus and Rapel. In terms of main tank…

Matchup to Watch: Main Tank Battle Go Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Image courtesy of Carlton Beener for Activision Blizzard Entertainment

This is the most dangerous matchup for both teams. The Valiant will likely run Dreamer and the Outlaws will likely run Hydration. Now without hero pools, the Outlaws will likely play an Orisa composition to benefit Hydration. Playing Orisa is not that hard, but Hydration going to a pocket pick is dangerous. If Dreamer ends up losing the matchup, that could spell disaster for the Valiant. If Hydration can run wild and help his team, the Outlaws could easily win. Dreamer has a clear advantage on every tank not Orisa, so forcing Hydration onto Winston would be ideal.

Prediction: 3-2 LA Valiant