#1 - Ballistix vs Tempest (KR)

Someone's o must go. Ballistix and Tempest combined so far are 6-0 in series and 18-0 in map score. Neither has dropped a map, and for the most part they have had no problem doing so. Is it finally Tempest's turn at KR throne loop (KSV>Ballistix>Tempest>Repeat) again?

There will be two things to watch heading into this series. The first is will the new Ballistix roster rise up to the challenge that Tempest presents? They have had matches so far they are expected to win, and this is the first match of the season where the odds aren't significantly stacked in their favor. If sCsC can rally the crew, Ballistix should be a slight favorite in this series.

The thing to watch for from Tempest is their unpredictability. Historically this is a team where success one week does not always translate to success in future weeks. Some weeks you think they were going to be Blizzcon champs, some weeks they lose to NA in Blizzcon group stages. If the new Tempest roster can find the stability they have previously lacked, they will be a scary opponent for Ballistix and could easily walk away with the series win.

This series will either be a nail biting epic back and forth classic, or will be a blowout. It's time to find out just how good the new Tempest is.

Diamond's Prediction - Ballistix defeats Tempest 3-2

#2 - Tricked eSport vs Team Liquid (EU)

This match would be #1 if Tempest and Ballistix were not both 3-0/18-0. This is a match where one EU team really gets to help control it's chances of making it to Western Clash. A loss here for either team is rough. A win however puts them in prime position for 2nd place and will give the team momentum for next match this week. Walking into a match with a recent win on your back is a strong ally to have.

I'm interested also to see this match to better gauge where Tricked and Liquid stand overall. Both teams hold a win over Zealots, which is intriguing now that Zealots beat Fnatic last week. Do one of these teams have what it takes to take Fnatic's spot in the Top 2 EU teams? I'm not sold yet, but it's only been two weeks and this match should give both teams motivation to bring everything they have to win.

Diamond's Prediction - Team Liquid defeats Tricked eSport 3-2

#3 - HeroesHearth Esports vs Team Twelve (NA)

Coming from North America we have HeroesHearth Esports vs Team Twelve. This is a rare "unknown" matchup. We really don't know how these teams match up in actual games. To the best of my knowledge the two teams have never played in a public facing event. HeroesHearth has shown the promise and skills to be a top contender in North America, but just quite aren't there yet overall. Team Twelve is one of those established contenders and will be looking to derail HeroesHearth early and establish dominance.

I like a lot about the roster of HeroesHearth. I have personally been a big fan of McIntyre's play for a long time, and felt like he was an undervalued asset by top teams. Arthelon was always been one better players in NA Heroes pro play, and I'm curious if he can return to his old form. There's also Khroen, a steady veteran of NA Heroes.

Ultimately I think this one will come down to recent Team Twelve's extensive recent global experience. It's something that scrims can't replicate and HeroesHearth has little recent experience with.

Diamond's Prediction - Team Twelve defeats HeroesHearth Esports 3-1

#4 - Fnatic vs Tricked eSport (EU)

What a tough week for Tricked. First they have to play a really important match vs Liquid, but then they have to follow up the next day vs Fnatic. This basically makes this week do or die for Tricked. They can maybe drop one series, but losing both would be all but an end to their Western Clash dreams. This could be a motivating factor to them, giving them confidence their own future is in their own hands. Some teams rise up when presented with such a challenge, will Tricked?

For Fnatic this is redemption week. A loss to Zealots in unexpected, but far from the end of the world. EU is a pretty stacked region where it feels like 6 of the 8 HGC teams may all be on the same level. Fnatic is a team that's used to being above that level, and will be looking to rain destruction on their opponents this week. I would look to see cleaner, better executed play from Fnatic, as they have always been a team that handles losses well, more so than about any team in Heroes eSports.

I'm expecting to see a motivated angry Fnatic in this series, but if that version does not show up, this could very well be a rough match for Fnatic.

Diamond's Prediction: Fnatic defeats Tricked eSport 3-1