LEC Playoff Preview: Splyce vs. SK Gaming
LEC Playoff Prediction: Splyce 3 – 1 SK Gaming
Obviously, it’s anticipated that today’s LEC playoff game will provide a much more entertaining spectacle that Fnatic’s demolition of Team Vitality on Friday. Although Splyce holds a 2-0 record over their opposition during the regular season, the two teams finished within 2 wins of each other and are a closely matched pair.
That being said, Splyce should be the favourites heading into the match after winning 4 of their last 5 and coming into the playoffs on hot form. Their ability to transition to the late game and stomp teamfights is impeccable, mostly due to Xerxe’s complete control of the first 15 minutes of the game, and Kobbe being untouchable on any AD Carry.
In order to take the victory, Splyce must prevent Selfmade from dictating the tempo of the game. This involves Xerxe, Humanoid and Norskeren working together to establish constant vision control in SK’s jungle and using this to permanently track the enemy jungler’s pathing. As a result, Splyce should be able to reach the 15-20 minute point with a noticeable gold advantage due to Xerxe’s control of the map. It may sound too simple, but if Splyce focus on staying even in the first 15 minutes of the game, they should win this series fairly convincingly.
Nevertheless, there are multiple avenues for success for the SK Gaming team today. Firstly, Selfmade winning the jungle match-up would be a terrific start and the Polish jungler has showcased his talents time and time again this season, out-jungling the likes of Broxah, Mowgli and even Jankos. Of course, despite being the front-runner for Rookie of the Split, he cannot be relied on to 1v9 his first ever top division level Bo5 series.
Going toe to toe with Splyce in the late game is never a viable option, however SK Gaming have repeatedly shown their capabilities in late game teamfights to pick up victories, most recently against Rogue and Schalke 04. Werlyb and Crownshot in particular excel when it comes to later game skirmishes, but they’ve yet to take down a Splyce side who live and breathe late game teamfights.
Regardless of the outcome, we’re set for an exciting series from two of the strongest teams in Europe at the moment. While it may not have the star power of a Fnatic v Team Vitality match-up, it certainly has the potential to be an excellent LEC playoff game.
Next. League of Legends LCS Spring Playoff preview: FlyQuest vs. Golden Guardians. dark
Disagree with my LEC playoff prediction? Feel free to flash the #SKWin in the comments below!