NA LCS Week 7 Preview

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Team Solo Mid (11-2)

Team Solo Mid’s eleven game win streak came to an end last week. Early game mistakes gave Coast the upper hand from the three minute mark. Although it was their nexus that exploded at the end of the match, TSM still put up a solid performance. They were able to hold off multiple pushes from Coast, and even looked like they were talking the game back at some points.

One loss isn’t too much to worry about for Team Solo Mid. Their dominance of the North American scene has only been hindered by Cloud 9 in week one, and Coast last week. Their first match is versus Dignitas, who have gone 2-6 in the past three weeks. On Sunday, they face one of only two teams to give them trouble this split, Cloud 9.

Cloud 9 (11-3)

This split, some teams have found cracks in Cloud 9’s armor. While C9 is still putting up an outstanding performance this split, they aren't as dominant as the previous one. Some have attributed this to an improvement in North America as a whole. The meta change also hasn’t been in the teams favor, with the power of assassins falling.

Their first match of week seven is versus an ailing XDG, who have implemented yet another roster change. Next up, they face against TSM for the third time this split. They were able to take down TSM in week one using Teemo, but weren’t able to keep up week three.

CLG (8-6)

Since joining the team, Dexter and CLG have put up a 5-1 record, losing only to TSM. It’s safe to say that since they have had their full roster in the LCS, they have become a contender for top two in North America. Link has also shown that his true home is in the midlane, earning MVP of week 6 with a 28.00 KDA.

This week, CLG will look to extend their 2-0 head to head record in their first match versus Curse. Following that, they will face a mangled XDG roster. With the momentum from the previous three weeks, CLG should easily roll through this week.

Dignitas (7-7)

Just when it looked like Dignitas was finally going to break away from the middle of the pack they have been stuck in for so long, they fell right back down. Since season three started, Dignitas hasn’t been able to break away from everyone else. Dignitas still has time left in the split to make a push for a top four finish.

Dignitas’ first match of the week is versus the top dog, Team Solo Mid. On Sunday, they face Evil Geniuses, who are on an upwards swing. It will be important for Dignitas to get a win under their belt this week, losing both matches could put them in the bottom three.

Evil Geniuses (5-9)

With a win over Dignitas, EG seems to be progressively improving throughout the split. However, they haven’t shown a performance worthy of the top four. Their synergy comes into question during teamfights, and the late game. Snoopeh has also tended to go all in on early game offence, sacrificing defensive stats in the late game.

They will have the chance to pick up some wins this week, when they face off versus Coast and Dignitas. The middle of the pack is extremely volatile, so look out for some strong performances from EG.

Curse (5-9)

Curse has been treading water since the start of this split. Voyboy’s has been struggling in the mid lane, and SaintVicious was added to the team as a support to help with shot calling. In addition, Quas hasn’t been able to live up to his hype. For the past three weeks, Curse has put up a 2-6 record.

Voyboy’s going to be put to the test again this week when he faces off against MVP midlaner Link and Counter Logic Gaming. Next, Curse will have to go head to head with Coast, who took down Team Solo Mid just last week.

Coast (5-9)

In true Coast fashion, they are stepping up their play towards the end of the season. With a win over Team Solo Mid and a 3-1 record in the past two weeks, Coast just may be able to escape relegations for the first time. Keep an eye on Shiphtur, who holds the second highest mid lane KDA despite his team being in a three way tie for fifth place.

Coast will face the other two teams in the tie for fifth place, XDG and Curse, this week. Now’s the perfect opportunity to break away from fifth place and start gaining some ground.

XDG (3-11)

Oh boy. Another roster change for XDG is going to make it even more difficult to save themselves from relegations. This time, XDG has switched Zuna back to AD, Xmithie back to jungle and brought in Sheep in the support role. The team is currently down and down and out - with an 3-11 record to boot.

XDG will face two of the strongest teams in the LCS this week, Cloud 9 and Coast. It’s not looking good, but maybe, just maybe, these last chance roster changes could turn things around.

Image Credit: Riot Games