DWG KIA vs. Liiv SANDBOX: 2021 LCK Spring betting analysis

LCK’s version of David and Goliath is right around the corner as the top team DWG KIA takes on the struggling squad from Liiv SANDBOX. 

This will be a match between the top and bottom of the LCK, which usually indicates a one-sided affair. The same goes for this match, as DWG KIA is expected to run over Liiv SANDBOX without any problem. That said, it isn’t more than a few weeks since DWG KIA lost to Fredit BRION in a 0-2 fashion, a team placed at the bottom of the standings at the time. Liiv SANDBOX will look to do the same, despite only having won two series so far in the 2021 LCK Spring Split. 

For DWG KIA, this match is an absolute must-win. Not only to keep its current lead at the top of the LCK leaderboard but also to stay consistent leading up to the playoffs. DWG KIA already took down Liiv SANDBOX 2-0 back in week 4 of the split, so keeping up the record when entering the second round robin will be important. There is no indication that DWG KIA will be able to lose this match, but underestimating an opponent in the LCK might just be enough to throw the world champions off. 

As the standings indicate, there shouldn’t be any world where Liiv SANDBOX pulls off an upset. The team is sitting at the bottom of the LCK with a 2-8 record and isn’t looking like a team on the upswing. Liiv SANDBOX was expected to be a middle team in the LCK this season, but so far nothing has seemed to work out. The only two wins for Liiv SANDBOX are against Afreeca Freecs and Hanwha Life, so the team has proven that upsets are possible. 

With that said, pulling off an upset against DWG KIA is the hardest task, and riding a winning streak of seven, DWG KIA isn’t looking to give away anything to charity. If Liiv SANDBOX wants this win, the team must show new strategies and a much higher individual skill level. Otherwise, this is looking like a quick 2-0 for DWG KIA. 

DWG KIA vs. Liiv SANDBOX rosters

DWG KIA

• Top – Kim “Khan” Dong-ha
• Jungle – Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu
• Mid – Heo “ShowMaker” Su / Kim “RangJun” Sang-joon
• Bot – Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun
• Support – Cho “BeryL” Geon-hee

Liiv SANDBOX

• Top – Park “Summit” Woo-tae
• Jungle Kim “OnFleek” Jang-gyeom / Kim “Croco” Dong-beom
• Mid – Yoo “FATE” Su-hyeok
• Bot – Lee “Prince” Chae-hwan / Han “Leo” Gyeo-re / Moon “Route” Geom-su
• Support – Lee “Effort” Sang-ho

DWG KIA expected to win by a landslide against Liiv SANDBOX

The difference in skill between DWG KIA and Liiv SANDBOX is clear, both on an individual level and in the standings. In LCK, this is likely the most unbalanced matchup possible, which is clearly reflected in the bookmaker’s odds. It seems that Liiv SANDBOX will need a miracle to overcome the defending world champions, but miracles have happened before in League of Legends. 

A win for DWG KIA in this series only gives odds 1.05 while a win for Liiv SANDBOX gives an odds of 7.5. 

The match between DWG KIA and Liiv SANDBOX kicks off on February 25.