LGD vs. Unicorns of Love: Worlds play-in betting analysis

The LPL fourth seed LGD Gaming will take on the kings of the LCL, Unicorns of Love, in the 2020 World Championship play-in stage. 

It will be a match between teams that would usually never face off against each other on Summoner’s Rift, but this is Worlds, where fans are treated with such rare matchups. Both sides know how to play aggressively, so fans might be in for a real bloodbath.

LGD had a bad start to the year, finishing 15th in the 2020 LPL Spring Split. In the summer split, LGD revamped its roster by picking up top laner Xie “Langx” Zhen-Ying, mid laner Su “xiye” Han-Wei, and Ling “Mark” Xu as support. The revamped squad quickly started jelling, making it all the way to the summer split semifinals before losing to JD Gaming.

UoL has been dominating the CIS region the whole year by winning both the spring and summer splits of the LCL. UoL has only lost two games throughout the year, making them the perfect LCL representatives at Worlds. With players such as mid laner Lev “Nomanz” Yakshin and jungler Kirill “AHaHaCiK” Skvortsov, they have plenty of international experience, and it might be enough to create some upsets.

It’s hard to predict the focal points and potential outcome of the game, as the matchup is something of an unknown. LGD is happy to play an aggressive style in the early game, where jungler Han “Peanut” Wang-ho can build up a sizable lead. The bot lane of LGD is also something to be worried about when Ha “Kramer” Jong-hun and Mark get ahead. 

UoL will need to come out flying against LGD and perhaps surprise them with some unexpected pocket picks. They will be outmatched on paper, which forces the LCL squad to get innovative and not be afraid to fight.  

An early game lead from UoL might be enough to grant them the momentum and bring another big upset at Worlds. After LGD's loss against PSG Talon, we know that anything can happen.    

LGD expected to beat Unicorns of Love in Worlds play-in

It’s hard not to predict a win for LGD in this matchup since they are used to playing against world-class teams in the LPL. With that said, the game is only a best-of-one. LGD showed clear weaknesses against PSG Talon on the first day of play-ins and it seemed like the team underestimated its opponent. LGD will most likely step up their game, but they have proven to be vulnerable already.  

Believing in an LGD win will give odds 1.24, while a UoL win gives a whopping odds 3.65. Worlds is known for its many upsets, so being a fan of the underdogs could end up paying off in this situation. 

The clash between LGD and UoL will take place on Sunday, September 27.