The Weekend Brings Decisive Matches in the LEC Playoffs Race
The final week of the League of Legends European Championship is upon us and the remaining 10 matches will be played out on Friday and Saturday. The outcome of these games will determine the teams that advance to the playoffs and the ones who finish outside, so the stakes are as high as they get. G2 Esports have secured the first place after defeating Team Vitality last week and they have nothing to worry about in the remaining rounds. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Rogue and Excel Esports have failed to qualify for the playoffs and they are certain to finish on the bottom two places.
Origen and Team Vitality Play for Second Place
Origen sit in the second place with 10 victories and they are tied with two other teams, but enjoy far more favourable circumstances. That’s because they play against Excel Esports in the decisive game and a win will guarantee their presence in the decisive stage. The match to bet on is the one against Schalke 04 on Friday, which can secure a playoff berth. Rivalry offers odds of 1/2 on Origen, while the underdogs are priced at 3/2 and for Schalke 04, this is a potentially decisive match.
Team Vitality have lost to G2, but they are still well positioned to finish on the podium and only need one victory. They are likely to grab it on Friday against Excel Esports in a match where they get odds of 1/5. If they fail to do so, the next opportunity will present itself on Saturday against SK Gaming. They currently sit outside the playoffs places, but are likely to improve their position on Friday with a victory over Rogue. Team Vitality get odds of 7/20 at Pinnacle against SK Gaming who are currently priced at 2/1.
Fnatic and Schalke 04 Cling on Eligible Places
As stated above, Schalke 04 need at least a victory against either Origen or Rogue and the latter are the most likely victims. Their direct competitors are Fnatic with a victory more, but incredibly difficult matches against G2 and Splyce. If the World Championship finalists defeat the leaders at odds of 11/10 at Betway they will advance to the playoffs. If they fail, the match against Splyce will be the most important played this weekend and Fnatic have an advantage at odds of 1/2, compared to 3/2 for Splyce.
Last Chance for Misfits and SK Gaming to Qualify
Splyce and Misfits play another highly anticipated match that the latter must win on Friday. GG.bet isn’t terribly confident in their chances, as reflected by the odds of 3/2 and Misfits have an even more difficult match on Saturday. They will play against the leaders and even though the latter aren’t terribly motivated, odds of 2/1 on Misfits reflect the difference between the two teams. SK Gaming can keep their playoff dreams alive with back-to-back victories over Rogue and Team Vitality at combined odds of 7/2.
