Can Vitality Salvage Group B and Qualify for the Playoffs?

As the ESL Proleague Season 13 Group B draws to a close, both mousesports and FaZe Clan are out of Playoffs contention. FaZe’s roster has shown some promise, but evidently still need time to gel together properly under karrigan’s leadership. Mousesports on the other hand has completely underperformed, failing to win a single series so far. Although dexter’s addition has failed to pay dividends so far, there is still time for the Australian. As both teams have somewhat underperformed, another team has risen in FaZe Clan’s and mouz’ stead.

After a series of stunning upset over the French powerhouses Team Vitality and G2 Esports, ENCE has emerged as a perennial contender and ultimately hold their fate in their own hands.

As Group B draws to a close, three teams still have a shot at first place, with G2 and ENCE battling it out against the already eliminated sides of mousesports and Faze Clan respectively. Vitality will have to look for their playoff ticket in their series against NiP, where for the first time they’ll be entering as the underdogs from a psychological perspective, even though the odds tell a different story.

The group is still wide open, as three teams could finish with a 4W-1L record, and none of them are the previously favored side of Vitality.

G2 Esports vs. mousesports

If there’s anything we’ve learned from the first two days of ESL Pro League Season 13’s Group B, it’s that G2 Esports is finally here. Although it pains us to say it, kennyS’s benching has had an instant impact on the team, which they showed in their dismantling of Vitality.

In this matchup, G2 Esports are the absolute favorites. If all goes according to plan for NiKo & co., G2 will look to secure first place in Group B against mousesports.

Funnily enough, it’s not NiKo who mouz should be worried about, but rather his cousin huNter-. While NiKo is still settling into his main AWPer role, it’s huNter who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to secure G2’s victories so far.

In terms of map picks, both teams play the same pick. G2 will look to get rid of Train early on, which is the only map mouz can give them a severe headache on. Other than that, G2 just outguns the Germans on any other map.

Expect G2 to dominate mouz.

Prediction: G2 to win 2:0

Odds: 2.32

FaZe Clan vs. ENCE

ENCE has exceeded all expectations (once again), and are in a strong position not just for a Playoffs spot, but to finish on top of Group B.

FaZe Clan on the other hand have nothing left to fight for apart from their pride. With the roster still settling in, FaZe will be coming into the series without any pressure on their shoulders. The added experience can prove to be invaluable for the FaZe roster heading forward.

Of the three new arrivals in the Finnish side, Spinx has been the standout player so far, netting a 1.15 rating during his stint with the team. FaZe’s outcome depends mostly on their star player Twistzz who has been fragging the lights out, but still not enough to secure his team a spot in the Playoffs.

Call it a gut feeling, but FaZe will not go down without a fight, so expect this series to go the distance.

Prediction: Total Maps | Over 2.5 |

Odds: 1.87

Vitality vs NiP

The most anticipated and contested match of the day will definitely be the face-off between the French powerhouse Vitality and the surging Swedes of Ninjas in Pyjamas.

A victory here is imperative if Vitality want to advance further into the tournament. A victory for NiP on the other hand would translate into NiP having a shot at first place, an accolade few considered possible before the group stage started.

Heading into the series, the end result will most likely depend on ZywOo’s performance. Although shox has been having a late resurgence, NiP still doesn’t have the means of shutting down ZywOo.

Vitality will be looking for their chances either on Dust2 or Mirage, with NiP leaning towards either Nuke or Inferno. All in all, expect this series to go all the way.

Prediction: Total Maps | Over 2.5 |

Odds: 1.92

Odds provided by GG.bet – head to our GG.bet review for more insights.