Group B action in the ESL Pro League Season 16 continues on Thursday with a number of matches that could have important implications for the teams involved.
The group certainly features some of the most well-known organizations and three teams have already staked their claim at the top.
FaZe Clan look to be the class of the field in Group B, but Thursday's matches could easily change the outlook in the Group standings.
G2 and FaZe both have tough matches to look forward to. G2 Esports has a face-off with BIG and FaZe Clan closes out Thursday's action with a match against MIBR.
Every team is still in the hunt but after Thursday's matches things will start to become clear on what three teams will advance out of Group B.
G2 has the edge over BIG
| What | G2 Esports vs. BIG |
| Where | Salini Resort, Malta |
| When | 10:00 EST, Thursday 8th September 2022 |
| How to watch | ESL Twitch Channel |
| Odds | G2 Esports -250, BIG +175 |
Both teams featured in the match-up between G2 Esports and BIG have had very different paths to this clash. G2 was able to secure a win in their opening match of Group B play as they knocked off MIBR in two maps.
BIG didn't fare as well as they lost their opening match 2-0 against the Outsiders. Dust2 was a real crusher for BIG as they lost that map 16-9, then they couldn't get anything going on Inferno as they were outscored 16-11.
The player that managed to deliver any impact for BIG was once again their top player Josef 'faveN' Baumann as he finished with a team high 31 kills.
G2 was able to take advantage of MIBR on Dust II as they easily won that map 16-5, and then they proceeded to Ancient where they closed the match out 16-10.
G2 was able to get positive K/D ratios from three of their five players. They were led by Nikola 'NiKo' Kovac with 39 kills.
Another player that was impressive for G2 was huNter who finished with a +13 in the k/d ratio. G2 ultimately had far more experience with their five players, and that could once again play a factor in this match-up.
BIG must find a consistent second player, or this match will end quickly. BIG lacks the firepower to hang around long enough.
The edge clearly favours G2 Esports and NiKo will help lead the way to victory along with the rest of his supporting cast.
FaZe a clear favourite against MIBR
| What | FaZe Clan vs. MIBR |
| Where | Salini Resort, Malta |
| When | 13:30 EST, Thursday 8th September 2022 |
| How to watch | ESL Twitch Channel |
| Odds | FaZe -1400, MIBR +650 |
FaZe Clan has its clear sights set on winning Group B of the ESL Pro League Season 16.
They can make that chance much more real with a second straight win when they take on MIBR - FaZe was able to secure a very comfortable win against FTW in their opening match.
MIBR couldn't get much going against G2 Esports as they lost Dust II 16-5 and Ancient 16-10, while FaZe made FTW look weak as they held FTW Esports to eight points total in the maps they played.
Helvijs 'broky' Saukants was a major influence for FaZe as he finished with 49 kills and a +26 in the plus/minus. He had very important support from ropz and Twistzz along with rain who was able to add 42 kills as well.
MIBR needs more consistency from players behind their in-game leader HEN1, who failed to have a good match against G2. HEN1 finished with 24 kills and 31 deaths. Raphael 'exit' Lacerda was the only player that had a decent match with 26 kills to 27 deaths.
These teams haven't met in recent memory with the number of changes at MIBR that should be expected. FaZe has plenty of confidence having won four of their last six matches.
MIBR was able to win four-straight matches against inferior opponents, but that hasn't carried over into these matches with top level teams. They lacked the skill to stop G2 and that trend could continue throughout Group B play.
It's going to be too hard with the inconsistent line-up for MIBR to be able to account for the line-up FaZe Clan will be throwing at them.
They must not only hold ropz and Twstzz in check, but they also have to make sure broky doesn't make another huge impact. It is too hard of a task to do.
