LEC finishes their week up on Saturday, XL looks to rally against Astralis, Vitality looked fantastic versus FNC on Friday, but consistency has yet to be seen. G2 look to get revenge against Schalke, and SK versus Misfits features two mid tier teams struggling for relevance. Let’s look at the picks.

 

Captain

Patrik ($11,100)

Patrik has been a standout star on SK alongside top laner Kryze, while Tore looks like one of the worst supports in the league, Patrik succeeds in spite of his lackluster support. XL is ultimately a team of superlatives, which makes them an excellent pick-up when playing versus the lowest tier teams like Astralis, as their cheap players are capable of really popping off against low tier competition. Patrik is a diamond in the rough, an uncut gem. If you would prefer a more premium, refined option, I’d recommend Inspired who gets his shot versus Vitality.

Alternatives to consider: Inspired ($10,200)

 

Top Lane

Kryze ($6,400)

Similar to Patrik, Kryze has blossomed this split into a fantastic top laner, despite his jungler and mid laner being rookies and taking time to find their footing. Whiteknight has been a divisive player, and I’m firmly in the camp that he’s the worst top laner in the LEC- nothing personal, although I expect Kryze to shatter the Finnish top laner. He’s put up great performances before, and this should be nothing new. If you prefer a premium option, like mentioned above, you can’t get much better than Rogue top laner Odoamne.

Alternatives to consider: Odoamne ($6,600)

 

Jungle

Inspired ($6,800)

As described above, I don’t think Vitality’s Skeanz is a good jungler despite having a good game on Friday. Inspired on the other hand has had a wealth of solid games this split, alongside a great career. Vitality’s mid jungle is a flagrant weakness, and when they’re capable of overcoming those hurdles they do show promise, just as they demonstrated in their match versus FNC. However, with purposeful foreshadowing, there’s a big issue Vitality faces in the middle lane. I think XL has been having some decent games recently too, whereas Zanzarah is frequently put on the backburner too, so if you’re no stranger to gambing (haha), feel free to pick up the XL jungler in Inspired’s stead to save money.

Alternatives to consider: Dan ($6,600)

 

Mid Lane

Larssen ($7,600)

Milica versus Larssen is the biggest mismatch for Vitality versus XL. Milica’s form from summer last year appears gone, and he is entirely one note and unimpactful in Vitality’s games; I’d venture to say that he’s likely the worst mid laner in the LEC and may be replaced for Diplex during the summer split. Larssen is likely in the running for MVP of the league and alongside Caps comprises the dual monarchy of the European middle lane, I recommend the other king too.

Alternatives to consider: Caps ($7,800)

 

ADC

Rekkles ($8,000)

Rekkles is the only ADC I’d consider breaking the bank for; his match-up against S04 is relatively solid, Neon and LIMIT aren’t a particularly explosive lane, although they’re not bad by any means. Rekkles is another player in contention for MVP status alongside his support Mikyx, he consistently dominates his lane with awe inspiring KDAs. In short, he’s a real money machine and well worth your bucks. If you already have Patrik and want to further save money, I’d select SK’s Jezu alongside his support, who have became a formidable bottom lane.

Alternatives to consider: Jezu ($7,000)

 

Support

Treatz ($5,200)

People who were not paying attention to NA Academy were surprised to see Treatz’s return to Europe be met with instant success, although SK have had the clear hallmarks of what Treatz needs to succeed: he gets to shotcall,     his ADC isn’t demanding, and the players on his squad are not mechanically inferior to their competition. Treatz is the brain that makes SK tick, and he’s a worthwhile support pick up. Just like with top, I’d suggest the Rogue premium option if you’re squeamish with risks.

Alternatives to consider: Trymbi ($6,000)

 

Team

SK Gaming ($4,400)

SK and Excel are two teams I have my eyes on this split, they’re mostly rookie rosters with massive upsides and are capable of showing up the older players as the new kids on the block. Astralis and Misfits shouldn’t be difficult opponents either, and I favor their odds; especially Excel’s, but I can’t hate on SK’s fantastic price point.

Alternatives to consider: Excel Esports ($5,200)

 

Stacks

Jezu & Treatz

SK’s bottom lane has climbed the ladder fast, alongside jungler Tynx I perceive them as the stronger pieces on the squad, and while Blue and Jenax haven’t been superstars, they still are good enough to make SK competitive and a formidable opponent for any team that faces them. This bottom lane is definitely one to watch

 

Inspired & Larssen

Inspired plays to his lanes, Larssen is a great resource recipient who is capable of flipping those advantages into victories. It’s a tale as old as time, and against Vitality these two are the ones to watch versus VIT’s weak mid jungle. If VIT can get the win, it will legitimize their resurgence, but Rogue look like one of the best teams in the league easily.

 

Caps & Rekkles

G2 are still the kings of Europe, and their carries in Caps and Rekkles are a massive factor in that success. They dominate their lanes and slaughtered Rogue when they played them last. They’re never bad choices, although they come at tremendous price tags. Rekkles in particular is a fantastic choice against Schalke.

 

Top Picks: Rekkles, Inspired, Larssen

Vitality’s weakness is their mid-jungle, whereas S04 have a relatively inert bottom lane. Each of these guys target those shortcomings, and are worth their weight in gold. G2 and Rogue look like the two top contenders in Europe.

 

Top Value: Treatz, Jezu, Patrik

SK and XL comprise our value list, Jezu and Patrik are the most underrated ADCs in the league, Patrik holds the better top side in Kryze, but Jezu has an amazing support in Treatz whereas Patrik has to make due with Tore. Mix and match these two teams to get the best of both worlds.