Week 5 Predictions!

Hi there!

Both the predictors are rather busy this week, so we'll keep it short and sweet. Last week was all 4-0s, so I haven't got that much to analyze either. See you in the playoffs with some more detailed coverage!

All preds are written by me this week.

Bac

Professors - NewstyleD Return

The match of the week!

Professors were looking strong on their early season games. Now they've been quiet in ENSL for weeks and my information is mostly based on official matches, so I can only make some slightly educated guesses on how their game goes. The biggest single question on the Prof lineup is the amount of marine power. Early season they had Zharp mercing on both their games and added a lot of stability, especially on marines. Without him the profs seem to lack real marine powerhouses, capable of bringing down nodes on tough pressure. Otherwise Profs are still looking pretty good, but the real tests are still up ahead.

NewstyleD managed a 4-0 against New Team, but it wasn't any kind of walk over. New Team put up a decent fight and could have easily snagged a couple of rounds with a bit sharper play on certain moments. Lately I've started to think that NewstyleD might end up in trouble on their reliance on Multi's fading. Against take over we saw him going down early on Orbital, which greatly contributed to the huge comeback by tO. Otherwise NewstyleD have been pretty solid, but in no way as astounding as their record might make it seem.

Having not seen much from the Profs, it's a difficult one to predict. I'd say that Profs were more convincing on their early season games, but after two matchless weeks I won't even go guessing their shape.

I guess I'll give Profs the tiniest bit of advantage based on early season games, but 2-2 is the most likely result.

Take Over - Made in Russia

This one should be a simple 4-0 for Take Over, unless MiR decides to try cheesing somehow. Take Over is just too much ahead on everything.

Rambos - Stray Dogs

Another seemingly clear 4-0. Rambos have such a big skill advantage that I can't see Stray Dogs overcoming them in any scenario. Rambos should also be motivated for taking that 4-0 to secure their position as the Group B winner and not facing the dreaded Take Over in the semis.

2Ram - Russian Standard

This one should be interesting. Both the teams have their best shots at taking a victory on group B.

I'll give a slight advantage for the Russians on this one. They have seemed more collected and controlled during the season and seem to be in better position now that they aren't completely overrun by the sheer skill and experience disadvantage.

The Argentinians are still as they've been for the whole season so far. Their marine rounds don't seem very balanced in terms of economy and offensive pressure and on aliens they often lack the last bit of coordination and scouting to take the victories.

I think we are going to see at least 3 alien victories here, considering how both teams have their strenghts there. To make things more interesting, I'll give the Russians the Tanith marine round, making it 3-1 for RS.