By Colin Rhoads Schalke 04 Will Do it Again Last year Schalke went on a miracle run winning seven must-win games in a row to make the playoffs. Schalke 04 is in the tight playoff run once again this year joined by SK Gaming, Misfits, and Excel. If they beat Fanatic on Friday at 1:00…

Published: March 12, 2021

By Colin Rhoads

Schalke 04 Will Do it Again

Last year Schalke went on a miracle run winning seven must-win games in a row to make the playoffs. Schalke 04 is in the tight playoff run once again this year joined by SK Gaming, Misfits, and Excel. If they beat Fanatic on Friday at 1:00 pm their spot is almost guaranteed. If they don’t they’ll need to win out but we know what this team can do under pressure. 

New Titans in Both Regions?

Rogue and Mad Lions are desperately trying to take the throne from G2 and Fanatic however G2 remains top of the standings. Even with lackluster regular seasons, G2 and Fanatic have continued to prove they are the undisputed best through playoffs. Nothing matters unless someone else wins the championship. On the other hand, Dignitas is trying to cement itself as one of the top dogs of the LCS. However, besides C9, TSM, and TL, top LCS teams rarely stay at the top. FlyQuest finished 2nd last split and are now 8th place with their playoff hopes gone and a hard schedule ahead.

Why G2 and TSM Will Win … Again

The addition of veteran Carl “Rekkles” Larsson to G2 has made them an even scarier opponent. Rekkles adds another layer of seriousness and focus that G2 arguably needed. If there is ever a time a team not from LCK/LPL will finally win worlds it’s in November and it’s G2. Looking at the LCS, C9 struggles against top teams dropping games to TSM, TL, and 100 Thieves. In a best of five setting, it’s questionable if they can pull through against tough opponents. While other teams haven’t looked too clean, TSM continues to make massive improvements.

Games to Watch/Predictions 

Rogue vs. SK Gaming / Friday / 11:00am / Prediction: Rogue

Schalke 04 vs. Fanatic / Friday / 1:00pm /  Prediction: Schalke 04

Team Liquid vs. Dignitas / Friday / 8:00pm /  Prediction: Dignitas

G2 vs. Mad Lions /  Saturday / 2:00pm /  Prediction: G2 

Dignitas vs. Cloud 9 / Saturday / 4:00pm / Prediction: Dignitas

Evil Geniuses vs. Liquid / Saturday / 6:00pm /  Prediction: Team Liquid

Fanatic vs. Rogue / Sunday / 3:00pm /  Prediction: Rogue 

100 Thieves vs. Liquid / Sunday / 5:00pm /  Prediction: Team Liquid