FC Schalke 04 vs Misfits

Next up, we have Misfits Gaming vs. Schalke 04. Not the most alluring of match-ups, but it's not half-bad either. There's nothing on the line, though, which is why it doesn't get the blood pumping. Plus, it is inherently one-sided — Misfits are amongst the very best teams in Europe (although they've shown signs of regression), whereas Schalke 04 have done very little to impress thus far. And, well, their four-game losing streak tells the same tale as well.

With just three wins on the board, they're the very definition of a bottom-tier dweller. They *can* pack a punch, in all fairness, but only when the stars align and when they end up smurfing it in the early and mid stages of the game — something that so rarely happens. They're just not capable enough to compete at the highest of levels, but are nonetheless worthy of respect as they're trying their hardest despite facing some very grim odds.

Misfits, on the other hand, are both hot and cold right now. They look amazing in one game and then regress in the very next without any apparent reason. They're still a capable contender, but they're also inherently flawed and are struggling to keep up with the who's who of the LEC. This is sort of the de facto Misfits trajectory: they start off incredibly well, rack up a bunch of wins, and then slowly but surely regress in power and potential as time goes on. Whether they end up in the playoffs or not matter very little as they've yet to upset the status quo.

Their game against EXCEL yesterday wasn't a particularly great showing given the presumed disparity in talent and potential between them and their opponents, but they were still able to correct course and mount an offensive when it mattered most. Fortunately for Misfits, Schalke 04 probably won't be able to challenge them in any concrete, dangerous way which means they're all but guaranteed to get yet another win on the board.

If they finish the week off with a 2-0 and improve to 9W-4L, they'd undoubtedly secure themselves a spot in the playoffs. There's quite a lot to be gained for Misfits, so they'll probably try their hardest — and that should be more than enough against a team of Schalke 04's caliber.