What to expect from Imperial v. Virtus.pro

Okay, but who expected Imperial to look like such a solid team that they would again show up strong in the Major? The RMR was thought to be a fluke, but then it was the Opening Stage of the Major. Will this team have to constantly prove to the world that they are better than people give them credit for? Maybe, but a win over Virtus.pro will surely show the world that they are ready and able to take the next step.

Imperial on solid ground

This team lost to Heroic in Overtime while beating ENCE, Apeks, and GamerLegion comfortably. The loss to ECSTATIC is worrying but can be chalked up to nerves. Regardless, this squad is feisty and ready to take on any opponent.

• VINI's leadership is stronger than ever

• felps is literally rolling back the years

• HEN1 can pull magic out of a hat at any point

Virtus.pro's cold start

They haven't been to LAN since the European RMRs over a month ago. Regardless of how well you do, it's not always easy to be in top shape when you're playing online qualifier matches. But to be completely fair, Virtus.pro is doing pretty, pretty well.

• Six match winning streak - dominated IEM Dallas Qualifiers

• Questionable losses on LAN in recent times

• JAME time will test Imperial's patience

Previous Matchups

These two sides have never played one another.

Likely Vetoes

Higher seed tends to elect to ban second, so it's likely we'll see Imperial starting off the veto process.

• Imperial bans Ancient

• Imperial bans Overpass

• Virtus.pro bans Mirage

• Virtus.pro bans Nuke

• Virtus.pro bans Anubis

• Imperial bans Vertigo

• Decider is Inferno

I think that Imperial might want to force Inferno and see about their chances, but Imperial could also roll the dice and try for Anubis which is such a flukey map. Who knows. Virtus.pro only have strong reps on four maps while Imperial looks very well-versed on six.