Cloud9 vs Team Liquid – LCS Match of the Week (2019 Spring)

Posted on March 7, 2019

Could any matchup be more exciting than a battle between the top-2 teams? That’s right, Cloud9 and Team Liquid are about to face off on March 9, so we’re doing an in-depth breakdown for this LCS match of the week. Cloud9 are looking sharper than ever. Their individual skill is on point, but it’s really their strategic prowess that gives them an edge over other North American lineups. Combine that with their draft flexibility and their willingness to experiment with a 7-man roster, and C9 have plenty of tools to outmaneuver their enemies on the map.

Team Liquid also know a thing or two about outclassing their opponents. This team is stacked with veteran talent, and you can always count on TL to employ a polished, macro-oriented playstyle to slowly suffocate their enemies. If that wasn’t enough, they have staggering amounts of firepower in carry positions, so if all else fails, they have no issues brute forcing their way to victory through teamfights and skirmishes.

Cloud9 vs Team Liquid Match Breakdown

Top Lane Matchup

The Cloud9 vs Team Liquid top lane is a clash of playstyles! With a 4.0 KDA and 8.1 CS per minute, C9 Licorice is a mechanically proficient top laner that can even make unwieldy tanks look like agile carries. His laning is potent, and he knows full well how to turn his individual leads into larger advantages.

TL Impact pales in comparison. Holding a 6.1 KDA and 8.3 CS per minute, he’s a rock-solid veteran with an in-depth understanding of tanks and bruisers. His mechanics are lacking, however, and he will struggle to keep with Licorice in the laning phase if Team Liquid don’t set him up with a winning matchup.

VERDICT: C9 Licorice breaks open the top lane.

Jungle Matchup

A similar narrative unfolds in the jungle. Sporting a 3.0 KDA and 5.2 CS per minute, C9 Svenskeren is a confident playmaker that dominates his opponents through a combination of refined mechanics and measured aggression. With that, he frequently takes over the game through calculated dives and decisive river skirmishes. It’s worth noting that C9 have an even more aggressive jungler in Blaber (2.3 KDA and 5.4 CS per minute), but it’s unlikely they’re going to field him in a matchup as important as this one.

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TL Xmithie is a bit more reserved. With a 5.6 KDA and 5.6 CS per minute, he is a battle-hardened jungler that goes above and beyond to set his laners up for success. And while he doesn’t stand out for his individual skill, he makes up for it with a great sense for pathing and working together with his teammates. Still, matching Svenskeren’s aggression will be a tall order for Xmithie, so we have to give this one to Cloud9.

VERDICT: C9 Svenskeren takes over the jungle.

Mid Lane Matchup

The Cloud9 vs Team Liquid mid lane will be interesting to follow. Sporting an 8.4 KDA and 8.4 CS per minute, Nisqy had a rough LCS debut, but he’s since cemented himself as one of the best mid laners in the league. His ability to consistently make clutch plays and find key picks is unparalleled, and it’s common to see him making a game-winning play for Cloud9.

That being said, Nisqy struggled the last time he faced Jensen. With a 10.7 KDA and 9.2 CS per minute, Team Liquid’s mid laner is a powerhouse that puts a strong emphasis on laning and teamfighting. And even though he’s quite composed with his playmaking, his individual skill alone will put Nisqy on the back foot.

VERDICT: TL Jensen secures a lead in the mid lane.

Bot Lane Matchup

The bot lane will be closer than might seem at first glance. With a 7.0 KDA and 8.9 CS per minute, C9 Sneaky might have the reputation of teamfighting marksman, but he’s recently done a lot to ramp up his aggression. His support Zeyzal (5.4 KDA) has also done a good job of providing lane pressure and capitalizing on playmaking opportunities, so Cloud9 have a very well-rounded bot lane on their hands.

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Unfortunately, they’re still a cut below Team Liquid’s duo. Sporting an 11.5 KDA and 10.5 CS per minute, Doublelift is the strongest AD carry in the league, and he routinely breaks open the bot lane with his mixture of razor-sharp mechanics and acute game sense. However, this might be the first time he’s overshadowed by his support. CoreJJ (6.5 KDA) is an absolute machine, and his well-timed roams and decisive plays act as the foundation of Team Liquid’s game plans.

VERDICT: TL’s Doublelift and CoreJJ win the bot lane matchup.

Cloud9 vs Team Liquid Match Prediction

This is pretty close! Cloud9 are stronger on the top side of the map, but Team Liquid outclass them in the carry positions. Of course, C9 could scome up with some unorthodox strategy to tip the scales in their favor, but unless they do that, TL will beat them through sheer fundamentals. Our prediction is a victory for Team Liquid!

You can bet on TL winning the Cloud9 vs Team Liquid LCS match for odds of 1.48 at Betspawn.

Gianfranco Capozzi Avatar
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Gianfranco Capozzi

Gianfranco works as Esports Editor-in-Chief and Head of Esports at Catena Media. He is specialized in Growth Hacking and Digital Marketing, with over 10 years of experience. Passionate about Overwatch, Fortnite, League of Legends, and esports industry news and regulations.

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