Yes Valiant fans, it is that time again. After not playing for six weeks and having their schedule being surrounded in general uncertainty, the Valiant will finally play again. This week they will be playing two games against two in-state rivals. Welcome to the LA Valiant Week 7 Preview.
LA Gladiators vs LA Valiant
This week marks the return of the Battle for LA. Each team enters with vastly different rosters from the previous season. After only keeping their stable support line, the Gladiators reworked their entire roster. Aside from jettisoning the rest of the roster, they brought in Space from the cross town rival LA Valiant. Meanwhile, the Valiant’s off season followed a similar pattern to their rivals. After allowing most of their talent to walk, they decided to keep three members around: Shax, KSF and McGravy. McGravy so far this season has been the most consistent factor of the LA Valiant’s surprising start to their season. He harassed enemy hitscan DPS relentlessly during the first week, produced clutch ultimate eats, and even had a top play of the season so far. This match looks to be a battle of two teams still with a lot to prove.
Player to Watch: Kai “KSP” Collins
Of all roles during this meta, hitscan DPS is where the Valiant can hold the potential advantage. He will be matching up against Birdring, someone who is also very talented. The problem with Birdring is his mental game. Birdring multiple times last year looked completely lost and even took him self out of the lineup because he felt he couldn’t perform. The last time the fans saw Birdring in a hitscan duel was vs the Florida Mayhem. In that match the Spitfire lost and Birdring was absolutely dominated by Sayaplayer. KSP is a lot like Sayaplayer talent wise: mechanically gifted and smart. If KSP can begin to get under Birdring’s skin, KSP may singlehandedly win the Valiant the series.
Score Prediction: LA Gladiators beat LA Valiant 3-2
LA Valiant vs SF Shock
This match will be a tough one. The Valiant will be going up against the defending Overwatch League Champions and possibly the most stacked roster in the league. The LA Kill Squad™ of KSP and KSF will be fighting against the likes of Architect, Sinatraa, Rascal, Striker, and ANS to help potentially lead their team to a victory. At the end of last season, the Shock beat the Valiant in the last regular season match of the season to keep them out of playoffs. Now, the new look Valiant aim to get revenge versus the Shock for last season.
Player to Watch: Rick “GiG” Salazar
It is hard to pick one match up where the Valiant could out duel the Shock on any singular level. There just is not quite a big enough sample size of game play this season to make and individual determinations. One player who could carry this team if they have a good game is GiG. GiG is a hyper aggressive Reinhardt much like his likely mirror in Super. If GiG can gain the upper hand versus Super they Valiant’s chances of winning the match increase exponentially.
Score Prediction: SF Shock beat LA Valiant 3-1
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Featured image courtesy of Overwatch League
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