The LEC Summer 2022 campaign continues with a second weekend full of matches starting with Friday's slate and this features the top teams Europe has to offer.
Week two features several big match-ups including a clash between Fnatic and MAD Lions as both look to climb from a current five-way tie for second place. Vitality and Excel also clash this week.
Excel is the Way to Go
| What | Team Vitality v. Excel, LEC Summer |
| Where | Germany (online/offline) |
| When | 13:00, Friday 24th June |
| How to watch | LEC Global YouTube Channel, Twitch |
| Odds | Team Vitality 8/13, Excel 6/5 |
The fight will be on as Team Vitality and Excel square-off with both teams sitting tied for second in the Standings. Vitality will be looking to rebound after going 2-1 during the opening weekend.
Vitality can have something to look forward to though as they did pick up wins against Misfits Gaming and Team BDS. On the flipside Excel was able to beat both Fnatic and Misfits Gaming, and their lone defeat thus far came against undefeated G2 Esports.
Vitality has several different players they can rely on especially if this match-up comes down to the wire. Whether it is Alphari or Perkz. However, look no further than the team's support player Labrov who has a KP percentage of 86.8.
Both teams have high first blood rates, so that can make this match that much more challenging especially if neither can get an early advantage. Patrik will be the player to keep an eye on for Excel as he has a KDA of 9.3.
Character selection could be key
Both teams feature guys that could really stand out in all of LEC, but the biggest factor will be which team has an advantage in the character selection.
Both teams were able to reach the playoffs in the Spring event, but neither team finished in the top five. Vitality was able to eliminate Excel in the Losers bracket first round, only for Vitality to bow out just one match later.
Excel appear to have the means and tools to get over the hump against Team Vitality.
In their two wins thus far Excel needed less than 30 minutes to take down Fnatic and MSF, but in their loss against G2 Esports they drove the hands-on favorite to a 37-plus minute match. Expect this match-up to be in the 34-minute range.
Taking a chance on MAD Lions in clash with Fnatic
| What | MAD Lions v Fnatic, LEC Summer |
| Where | Germany (online/offline) |
| When | 16:00, Friday 24th June |
| How to watch | LEC Global YouTube Channel, Twitch |
| Odds | MAD Lions 11/8, Fnatic 8/15 |
It's still early as this is only week two in the LEC Summer but several of the top teams are already flexing their muscles. Including MAD Lions and Fnatic. Now the teams face off looking to reach a third win of this event.
Fnatic was able to finish second at the Spring Event, while MAD Lions really struggled finishing seventh and with a losing record in the 18 matches, they played in the regular-season standings.
Fnatic was able to reach the semi-finals during the Spring playoffs but lost their last two matches finishing third-overall.
Both teams have started this summer series with decent starts as both are 2-1 after the opening weekend. MAD Lions was able to grab wins against Team Vitality and SK Gaming, but suffered a defeat at the hands of Rogue. Fnatic was able to take down Rogue and SK Gaming but couldn’t get the job done against Excel.
Fnatic might have a bit of an advantage after beating the one team, MAD Lions couldn't figure out last week. Upset has been the top performer for Fnatic, and the Lions will have to find a way to slow him down or this match could easily be won by Fnatic.
MAD Lions will have to keep Nisqy and UNF0RGIVEN playing at a high rate because them along with Armut make a tough group to stop. The Lions have also shown promise when it comes to first blood in matches, as they have accomplished that feat 66.7 percent of the time.
Both teams stand a chance to make a deep run in this summer event. Those dreams begin by getting a win in this match-up.
The drafting period could make or break either of these teams. Fnatic might have the advantage after a top three finish in the Spring, but MAD Lions have still been way stronger at getting First Blood.
MAD Lions could be the smart decision to get a major win here and improve to 3-1 in LEC Summer.
The Lions first three matches didn't go for more than 35 minutes, with the closest coming against Vitality at 34:44. The same can be said for Fnatic as each of their last three matches have been under 35 minutes, so under 35.30 minutes could be a good move.
