What to expect from Imperial versus Grayhound

Imperial went through a big shift in the off-season as iconic IGL Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo decided to have one more shot at tier-one with FURIA despite having previously announced retirement plans for the end of 2023. Having joined FURIA and with the next Major not being until 2024 it is likely FalleN will be postponing those plans, whilst Imperial have to adjust to life without him. In their first showing Imperial failed to impress against Monte losing 16-9 but have a chance to get back on track against Grayhound.

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Imperial porous defense

The match against Monte started well, in particular, Henrique "HEN1" Teles showed he was more than capable of filling FalleN's boots in the AWPing department as he topped the server for Imperial with a 1.26 rating. That was about the only positive for the team though having a respectable T side showing, posting seven rounds on Nuke's traditionally tougher side, they crumbled on the defense managing just one round out of ten against the European side.

HEN1 1.26 rating
Vinicius 'VINI' Figueiredo was the only other Imperial player to have a positive rating
Only managed one round on the CT side of Nuke

Vexite brings thunder from down under

The Australian side may have fallen to FURIA in their opening match but it was a close game. This was largely due to youngster Declan "Vexite" Portelli's strong form as he posted a 1.60 rating despite the loss. The eighteen-year-old has been the Aussies' shining light so far this year alongside fragging IGL Joshua "INS" Potter. However, Grayhound can't win games with two players and will need the supporting cast to step up if they are to beat Imperial.

Vexite continues to impress with a 1.60 rating
Jay "Liazz" Tregillgas managed just 5 kills, his improvement could be key to Aussie success
Grayhound have never played at any stage of IEM Cologne before

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Likely Vetoes

As always with teams that have made changes, especially in the IGL department and after an off-season, it is hard to know whether there has been a shake-up in their map pool for the first few matches.

Grayhound ban Overpass, perma-ban
Imperial ban Anubis, perma-ban
Grayhound pick Nuke, could look to capitalize on Imperial's weak CT
Imperial pick Inferno, was a favorite of the previous roster
Could see an Ancient decider with both teams willing to play

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