What to expect from Liquid v. Forsaken

It hasn't been easy for North American fans of Liquid. The team not only left to go European, but haven't had the greatest success while on the old continent. To add more pain to the problem, the squad is now distancing itself from the now-benched Aleks "Rainwaker" Petrov who has also advertised himself to new teams. As for Forsaken, they're on top of the NA scene having breezed their way through Advanced and now in the closed qualifier of ESL Challenger Jönköping.

Liquid languishing

It isn't easy for Liquid right now and the results at ESL Pro League only compound the issue. With Rainwaker now out of the team and Damian "daps" Steele standing in for now, how can Liquid turn their fortune around? In addition, how will the team adapt to daps' style in in-game leading? Fundamentally, the team should be better than Forsaken, so relying on their defaults, their fundamentals, and getting back to what made the team so good is their key to success.

• How much longer can NAF be a pillar of strength?

• The Patsi & YEKINDAR aggression needs refinement

• daps just needs to be replacement level

Forsaken front & center

It's a tough draw for the Advanced team, but for a group that has been nothing but on fire in the North American scene, there is always the chance for an upset, especially against a weakened Liquid team in a state of transition. Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz's squad is one of the best unsigned teams in the region and he is proving once again why he is one of the best team builders in recent times. Given the humorous rivalry between him and daps, this is another chapter in their playful revenge saga.

• wiz is the better in-form AWPer, he needs to show it today

• This could be a statement game for JBa who was dominant last night

• daps hasn't played in literal years, just hit whatever site he plays

Previous Matchups

These two teams have never played one another with the whole Liquid going to Europe thing.

Likely Vetoes

Tough to tell what maps will be played, but I imagine teams trying to play to strengths rather than their opponent's weaknesses.

• Liquid ban Nuke

• Forsaken ban Anubis

• Liquid pick Mirage

• Forsaken pick Inferno

• Decider is Ancient