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Early on in the new year, we have exciting matchups in the different tournaments that have commenced. One of the tournaments that have started early in the year is the League of Legends European Championship (LEC). The tournament started on January 22, 2021, with no stipulated end date. Ten teams in Europe will feature in this tournament, competing for a share of the $240,000 prize pool and gather points early in the year. For the group stage, a best of one format will be followed strictly because each team will play 18 times in the group stage. The six top-placed teams will qualify for the Playoffs with the fifth and sixth-placed teams playing in the Losers’ Round 1, while the top four will advance to the semifinals round. It will be stiffer competition in the Playoffs as all matches at that stage will follow a best of five format. Whoever finishes in the number one spot will be rewarded with $97,000 and will also qualify for the 2021 Mid-season Invitational.
The second day of week one will feature FC Schalke 04 Esports and Excel Esports in its first match. Both teams have not had much action in the new year but will kick off in what will be the first of many in the group stage. Every team will have a substantial amount of games to make up for any poor performance in the first game. However, both teams will come into this game looking to make an impression.
This fixture will feature two evenly matched teams in terms of head-to-head statistics. Out of eight head-to-head meetings, each team has been able to secure a victory over the other four times. However, it is worth pointing out that FC Schalke 04 is the team with the better form as they have won eight of their last ten matches.
Game Information
Tournament: League of Legends European Champion Spring Split
Date: Saturday, January 23, 2021
Time: 17:00 CET
Odd Information from BetOnline
Match Winner: FC Schalke 04 Esports -167 | Excel Esports +124
Total Time: Over 33 Minutes -128 | Under 33 Minutes -105
Battle of The Coaching Staff
Excel Esports has developed tremendously in recent times, owing this achievement to its coach, Joey “YoungBuck” Steltenpool. They are not favored by sportsbooks but Excel can record a win, as they have done four times in the past. They are not on a jaw-dropping run, but they have been able to secure five victories in their last ten outings. FC Schalke 04 also has an amazing coaching staff, but we will have to wait and see which team comes out on top.
Will It be A Bright Start for FC Schalke 04 Esports?
FC Schalke ended the 2020 season on a high note and will be looking to continue in that light. In their attempt to keep the momentum going this new year, they will have to overcome their bitter rivals, Excel Esports. They have found it difficult to dominate Excel Esports even as they are the more exciting team with better players on their roster. FC Schalke 04 has won eight of their last ten outings.
Betting Advice
It is unclear how both teams will fare in the matchup as it will be their first outing in the new year. We do not expect both teams to come out guns blazing as they have both not had any action for some time. However, seeing that it is a best of one format, FC Schalke will do enough to secure a win. It will not be an easy contest, but FC Schalke looks like the better team as they put together a good run towards the end of 2020.