Paper Rex (2) vs Guild (1)
This is gonna be a crazy match that could go either way. Guild plays a slow methodical playstyle that shut down yay, but will they be able to counter Paper Rex's fast aggressive style. They did have some trouble against KRU who are decently aggressive but way less than PRX. With f0rsakeN having Covid, this might be a little bit tougher for PRX but I think they are definitely ready to face an EMEA team because that's where their style works the best. Both teams will be playing without pressure, so it will be a great match for sure. Whoever's stars (Leo/Trexx/Sayf or Jinggg/f0rsakeN) can get going will push their team across the finish line. And whichever's more lackluster players can rise to the occasion. And my bet is on d4v41, mindfreak and benkai moreso than Russ and koldamenta.
FNATIC (2) vs FPX (1)
With Suygetsu, FNC will win 2-1 or 2-0. With Seider, FNC will win 2-0. I just really don't see the Shao/ardiis & friends get by such a great team in Fnatic. 4/5 of their team have LAN experience but even if Alfajer is nerfed on LAN, the rest of the team can easily pick up the slack. FPX looked really iffy during groups and with I think Fnatic will have no problem beating them with such a long time to prepare and since they are facing a familiar EMEA opponent. If FPX wants to win, they are going to have to play a much cleaner and team effort game.
DRX (2) vs Leviatan (0)
Apologies, since I don't know much about Leviatan, but I don't have very high hopes for LATAM. Also, DRX has looked really good so far in this tournament and definitely much better than last Masters. They are entering these playoffs with something to prove for sure and I think skillwise they just outmatch any LATAM team. However, LATAM plays a more aggressive style, and DRX plays a more calculated, slow, stratty style. Leviatan pulling off an upset would have to rely on throwing DRX off their game and messing up their mental. However, DRX has looked way better with adaptation and bouncing back, so this one goes to DRX.
OpTic (2) vs XSET (0)
An in form OpTic is going to mop the floor with a first time LAN XSET. In a domestic matchup like this, the game will go to the more experienced team, like we saw last Masters when OpTic beat The Guard. I also think The Guard back then was better than XSET now. OpTic also just looks way better. Victor on Neon has been insane, crashies has had huge impact, Marved has made a case for best in the world, FNS fragging power has surged, and even an underperforming yay is better than half of XSET. I just think XSET, especially with first time nerves and inexperience, doesn't have enough firepower to overcome OpTic, not this time. Also, I want to see BCJ lose; that guy annoys me.
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