After defeating FunPlus Phoenix 3-1, the defending champion EDward Gaming is set to face Weibo Gaming in the second round. In terms of form, both teams have been quite similar during the group stage. EDG and WBG both had a stellar phase leading the table but also experienced fluctuations in performance, entering the playoffs with less than ideal standings.
WBG convincingly defeated EDG 2-0 during the group stage. However, given their current form and the best-of-five format, SofM and his teammates will find it challenging to secure a victory against a team like EDG that is eager to prove its caliber.
If we compare the strength of each position at the moment, it seems that the two teams are quite balanced, or slightly favoring EDG. Therefore, the key point that will determine the success or failure of this match is assessed by experts to lie in the draft phase.
In the recent losses during the LPL Spring 2022 group stage, it can be seen that the WBG coaching staff did not perform well in this aspect. Along with SofM’s drop in form and TheShy, the unreasonable champion selections have somewhat cost WBG. Therefore, this team needs to make adjustments before facing EDG, a team with more experience in this area and who just had a sufficient warm-up in the previous round.
In the bot lane, Zeri remains a champion that is a must-pick if not banned, even though she has been heavily nerfed in patch 12.5. However, Huanfeng’s poor performance with this champion could be a weakness for EDG to exploit. At that time, WBG will have to use a ban on Zeri even in their first rotation. Aphelios and Jinx will still be the two options contested in the bot lane, while Xayah, Ezreal, and Kai’sa are also entirely viable.
Angel may continue to face disadvantages in the Mid Lane. LeBlanc and Ahri are currently popular picks in the playoffs, but these are champions that the WBG player has not performed well with. Therefore, Ryze will be a champion contested by both sides. Twisted Fate, Sylas, or Viktor will be potential picks for Angel at this time.
The Jungle and Support positions likely won’t face many issues in terms of champion pools. SofM can effectively use Hecarim, Viego, Lee Sin, or even Volibear. Meanwhile, ON also has many offensive choices like Rakan, Nautilus, Thresh, and Leona. Thus, the key for this duo is their individual plays, avoiding unnecessary mistakes.
TheShy, the only WBG member on the all-star team, is actually the most concerning position regarding champion selection in the current patch. The tank champions that this Top Laner excels with like Sion and Malphite are gradually being figured out by opponents. Gwen is always banned, while TheShy’s uses of Jayce or Graves have not provided much confidence. The inability to play Tryndamere and often being countered by this champion is also a current weakness for TheShy.
Therefore, the Top God needs to make more breakthrough choices to face Flandre in this tense best-of-five matchup. Compared to TheShy himself, Flandre also has similar signature champions like Jayce and Graves; however, SofM’s close friend is known to surprise with some unorthodox picks. It wouldn’t be too surprising if he were to bring Sejuani or Annie to the top in such matchups against Flandre.
EDG and WBG will be a battle between two teams with quite similar playstyles. Both prefer to play slowly in the early game, waiting for their carries to shine in crucial team fights. Therefore, this will be a highly anticipated showdown by the League of Legends community in China. It’s not just about skill displays but also about outplaying the opponent even before the match begins.