Week 9: Predictions for the NA LCS

Like the EU LCS, the NA LCS has promised to have a dynamite last weekend.  While the division between 1-7 and 8-10 has already solidified (the only thing we have up for grabs is who takes 8th and who takes 9th), the top 7 spots are all within a few wins, with every position viable for a contest.  Who will actually secure the first place spot?  Who will fall out of the LCS?

Full Schedule:

Saturday:

12:00 PM PST - Gravity (9 - 7) vs Cloud 9 (10 - 6)
Prediction: Cloud 9.  This is a toss up match.  Gravity has proven they have what it takes to take down teams with better records, but Cloud 9 is trying to defend a 3rd seed spot against Team Impulse and the rest of the group just beneath them.  Although the match could still go either way, expect this match to be a lot like the Team 8 vs Cloud 9 match last week, but with Cloud 9 turning to screws to close out the game.

1:00 PM PST - Team 8 (9 - 7) vs Counter Logic Gaming (11 - 5)
Prediction: Counter Logic Gaming.  Team 8 beat Cloud 9 by the skin of their teeth last week.  While Counter Logic Gaming has had a little bit of the same fizzle as last year, they still have an impressive squad and many favorable match ups.  Although it's sort of a toss up, be prepared for Counter Logic Gaming to bring one of their best games all split.

2:00 PM PST - Winterfox (5 - 11) vs Team Liquid (8 - 8)
Prediction: Team Liquid.  With so much winding down and with a relatively easy week, Team Liquid had better pull off wins against the 8th and 9th slots.  Although Winterfox did win their last encounter, it was in response to an unfortunate team fight that went the way of Winterfox.  Team Liquid should have what it takes to pull off a win this week with so much riding on the line.

3:00 PM PST - Team Coast (1 -15) vs Team SoloMid (12 - 4)
Prediction: Team SoloMid.  With Team Coast so far out of the running, expect them to pull out weird picks and experimental team compositions--but, as we saw from Team SoloMid vs Gravity last week, TSM might do well against the meta but is thrown off by outside picks.

4:00 PM PST - Team Impulse (10 - 6) vs Team Dignitas (5 - 11)
Prediction: Team Impulse.  Team Dignitas will have a rough time trying to lock down a win over Team Impulse--expect this match to go heavily one sided.  With a potential 2nd place spot on the line, Team Impulse will stop at nothing for a win here.

Sunday:

12:00 PM PST - Winterfox (5 - 11) vs Team Coast (1 - 15)
Prediction: Winterfox.  As before, Team Coast is facing relegation, and will probably do their best just to have a good game.  If there is a team they can beat, though, it'll be Winterfox.

1:00 PM PST - Cloud 9 (10 - 6) vs Team SoloMid (12 - 4)
Prediction: Team SoloMid.  If IEM Katowice taught us anything, it's that when TSM and C9 and put under a lot of pressure (like seeding in the NA LCS Playoffs), TSM turns up the pressure while C9 fizzles a bit.  While TSM frankly got a bye on Saturday, they'll need to pull out all the stops to secure their 1st place spot against CLG this game.  This is also the only game they've really had to prepare for this weekend, while Cloud 9 is facing two difficult opponents.

2:00 PM PST - Team Dignitas (5 - 11) vs Team Liquid (8 - 8)
Prediction: Team Liquid.  Again, Team Liquid has been given a fairly easy schedule this weekend.  This could work out well in their favor--if things go as predicted, they will end in a three way tie for 5th--but there is a chance that a determined Team Dignitas will pull out a win to secure 8th place and the chance to pick their CS opponent.

3:00 PM PST - Gravity (9 - 7) vs Team 8 (9 - 7)
Prediction: Team 8.  Like the Unicorns of Love and Gambit match up on Thursday, this match has a lot riding on it.  For both teams, they will have prepared extensively for this match.  However, in a head to head there's a lot of promise in Team 8's teamwork, which might be just enough to pull off the win over Gravity.

4:00 PM PST - Counter Logic Gaming (11 - 5) vs Team Impulse (10 - 6)
Prediction: Counter Logic Gaming.  Team Impulse will be fighting for this match tooth and nail because they'll have a shot at the 2nd place spot, but be prepared to see the very best Counter Logic Gaming has to offer as they defend their spot against the rest of the pack.