NA LCS Week 4 Day 2 Preview

This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.

Counter Logic Gaming (4-5) VS Evil Geniuses (3-6)

For the first time this season, Counter Logic Gaming will play a match with their full starting roster. Before the start of the current split, CLG’s jungler Dexter, was denied entry to the United States. This will be the first time in years that the team has had a starting world class jungler. Initial results looked promising after Dexter tweeted:

CLG also has another tool in their back pocket, MonteCristo. Monte has been living in the team house in LA for the past two weeks, improving the team’s practice and “instilling good habits”. CLG do not have excuses anymore, it’s finally their time to show what they have.

Yesterday, Evil Geniuses played a close match against the first place Team Solo Mid. They remained even through the laning phase. But, the game slipped away from them during the mid game due to some disastrous teamfights. In the bot lane, Yellowpete and Krepo tried the Soroka and Urgot combo for the second time - which failed disastrously this time around. Pobelter tried his hand at Fizz in the midlane, which seemed to work versus Leblanc. EG’s achilles heel in their losses seems to be transitioning into mid game, where they almost always make a crucial mistake.

Team Curse (4-5) vs Team Solo Mid (8-1)

In a surprising turn of events, Curse coach Saintvicious returned to the starting roster in the support role. Curse didn’t offer much reasoning for the swap, but it has seemed to work out for them. Curse was able to end Dignitas’ six game win streak and looked like a more coordinated team with Saint at the helm. Collectively, Saint and Cop put up a 7.75 KDA. A new shot caller may be just what Curse was missing.

Dyrus decided to play PvP instead of PvE against Evil Geniuses yesterday - and it worked. A score of 10/0/14 isn’t what you would typically expect from a player known for going even in lane and farming for the late game. For the first time, Bjergsen wasn’t completely dominant in the mid lane. Pobleter’s Fizz looked like it was able to go toe to toe with Bjgersen’s Leblanc. But, when it comes to teamfights TSM will always be able to turn the tides.

Cloud 9 (7-2) vs Team Coast (2-7)

Cloud 9 made quick work of XDG yesterday. Sneaky and Lemonation had a combined score of 8/0/24 with Sivir and Thresh. In teamfights, Lemon landed hook after hook - setting up almost every kill for Cloud 9. Meteos made Lee Sin look easy - racking up a score of 5/0/10. His early game pressure, including a level two gank on mid, let Cloud 9 get rolling early. In the top lane, Balls cleaned up with his signature Rumble.

Yet again, Coast seemed flustered in the pick and ban phase. They let Jinx and Annie slip through to the KiwiPie bot lane, and gave up Dr.Mundo to Cruzer. Nintendude wasn’t able to have an impact throughout any part of the game - ending with a score of 0/9/4 on Pantheon. In the bot lane, Wizfujin and Daydreamin both hold the lowest KDA in their role. It’s an uphill battle for Coast, and it doesn't look like it will get easier anytime soon.

XDG (2-7) vs Team Dignitas (6-3)

XDG fell further into last place after another loss to Cloud 9. It’s safe to say that the results of the roster swap have been nothing short of abysmal. It’s appalling how a top three North American team has fallen into a tie for last place. The roster swap has also exposed weak points that weren’t exposed with their former lineup. Mancloud is failing to hold his own without repeated ganks from Xmithie, despite formerly being considered one of the best mids in North America. If XDG continues on this path, they should prepare to be relegated.

Dignitas’ wasn’t able to maintain their six game win streak when the revamped Curse roster defeated them yesterday. The Curse botlane was able to hold onto a lead throughout the entire match. In the midlane, Scarra’s wasn't able to keep his head above water with Akali. It’s not all doom and gloom for Dignitas - they have a secure spot in the top three for the time being.

Catch all the matches on lolesports.com at 3PM EST

Image Credit:Riot Games