What to expect from FURIA v. Movistar Riders

The Brazilians have faced incredible, and likely deserved, scrutiny for failing to get things running from the start with new additions Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo and Marcelo "chelo" Cespedes. With FURIA wanting to continue being recognized as the best Brazilian team in the world, they need to do more than their recent results to carry that crown. With their first match against Movistar Riders, an opponent they have faced, and beaten, twice before, now might be the right moment to get things off on the right foot.

FURIA rising up

Brazil has had some issues with their roster, but seem to be doing better and better in recent weeks, even in such events like the Pinnacle Cup V, where the squad tragically lost Kaike "KSCERATO" Cerato to food poisoning right before the grand final, playing a key role in them losing the finals to 00 Nation. Despite that, the improvement and confidence boost is much-needed for a squad that is the focus of Brazil and the world's attention.

• The team is starting to adapt to FalleN's system

• Questions remain about arT's role in the team

• Can KSCERATO continue being a monster if healthy?

• When do we get to see the old chelo?

Movistar making moves

The Spaniards just... don't look intimidating. It's hard to be this harsh, but they truly don't look like they are capable of hanging with FURIA, even with the Brazilians struggling so much. Only two wins in the last nine matches, which includes a BO1 victory over Spirit and a 2-0 victory over NAVI Youth. They can count losses to teams like Zen, Into the Breach, and Sprout in that poor run of form. The bright spot continues to be Antonio "Martinez" Martinez, but even then that might not be enough to bring them to victory.

• Martinez needs to be on the top of his game

• Can alex and mopoz be the veterans to lead this team?

• Will rookies JUST and AlexS rise to the occasion?

FURIA has their number

Brazil has dominated the all-time series between themselves and the Riders, winning the two matchups between the cores and only dropping one map which had gone into overtime. Realistically, we shouldn't expect much more coming out of the Spaniards and this might just be another one for FURIA to close out.

Likely Vetoes

FURIA seems to be mixing up their maps, especially as they try to find some solid ground. Riders will be doing the same thing with their new additions, so the maps might not be exactly right.

• Movistar ban Mirage

• FURIA ban Overpass

• Movistar pick Vertigo

• FURIA pick Nuke

• Decider likely to come down to Ancient.

FURIA and Movistar duke it out tomorrow at 10:00AM.