Here are the predictions for ENSL WEEK 3 for the Premier League.

Maps: ns_metal / ns_veil



Ben's:

My predictions got shot to shit last week for the most part. Instead of xensity forfeiting we saw the previously bastion of EUNS activity, Flatline, unable to get 6. I'm really hoping Flatline will be able to find enough players this week though the loss of one of their most influential players to the army is a big hit to them. Reflect continued their winning streak beating their first European opponent and showing they won't be phased by the higher ping. For me testicules really dropped the ball. Ninelegends started their season convincingly easily beating Levitacus who, like testicules, looked to be a shadow of past form.

This week we've got some great match ups. Reflect will be looking to continue their winning streak but may end up with a forfeit unless flatline's activity can pick up. The loss of flatline to the league would be a huge loss so lets all cross our fingers and hope it doesn't happen. Ninelegends will be looking to match reflects achievement of a 4-0 over testicules who looked weak and lacking in the co-ordination department last week as they weren't even close to winning a round. If nL can't take a 4-0 that'll put some pressure on them to top the table if Reflects form continues. Xensity square off againist Levitacus in an interesting match up.

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Levitacus (0-1-1) vs Xensity (0-1-0)
Impact Players:
Levitacus: Inva (Fade), Tane (Marine, Skulk)
Xensity: Arctic Joe (Fade), Elfkiller (usless lerk)

I was really disappointed by what I saw of Levitacus last week vs Ninelegends. In the minicup Levitacus had a very effective marine round which focused on very early pressure. What we saw last week was a weak strategy going for early PGs in both rounds and then lacking the tech and firepower to hold them againist a well organised nL alien round. Hopefully Levitacus will go back to what was working before, a tactic which will be even more effective against 150 pinging skulks who will struggle even more early game.

Last week I thought xensity might end up forfeiting but with the additions to the roster hopefully that'll no longer be a concern. They've added a number of experienced players such as Arctic Joe (adept), kfr (old xensity) and Elfkiller (no one of worth). Xensity have only played one match so far this season and they look outclassed by reflect but this should a more evenly pitched match. They've now got a solid fade which will help them recoup after the loss of Makevelli. They'll really need to get their game tight an well organized though if they want to match levitacus's teamwork.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Xensity can do vs EU opponents and their new additions look good but I think Levitacus should take this. They looked weak vs Ninelegends but most teams do, hopefully they'll see an opportunity here to play more aggressively and find that form that made them such an effective unit. I'm going out on a massive limb here, please don't make me look stupid, Levitacus.

Levitacus 4 Xensity 0.

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Testicules vs Ninelegends
Impact Players:
Testicules: tutu (Fade, Ballerina), Ray (Lerk)
Ninelegends: wltrs (Shotgun), b1 (genius), pantsu (Fade)

With the exception of a botched push on ventilation hive, Ninlegends looked far stronger and never gave levitacus a chance to get into the game even when their commander lagged out and had to be replaced midround. The addition of b1 to the team really boosted them and makes their alien round uncannily effective even if Fana does want to fly into mines. Last week Testicules took a hammering to Reflect and really failed to perform. They'll need to do far better this week or they'll find themselves on the recieving end of a beating again.

Ninelegends will be looking to do what Reflect did and take all 4 rounds to remove any pressure of reflect pulling away at the top of the table before they meet next week. They showed excellent teamwork and both their marine and alien rounds looked strong despite the quality of their opposition. They didn't even use a second fade and didn't look weakened by the loss of their lerk. I imagine b1 will not continue to commander once Sherpa has sorted his PC out, this shouldn't be too big an issue as Sherpa managed to join midround and take control of the situation convincingly.

Testicules looked really weak vs Reflect. They failed to make the most of the ping advantage and choose to rush as individuals on all rounds rather than working as a team and they've got a lot of questions to answer as a team if they want to improve. Since when was sending one marine to triad on his own ever a good idea? An observatory in base but not getting any early upgrade from it? Rushing one by one as skulk? Losing your lerk early because he rushed the shotgun? I was really dissapointed and they looked a shadow of past French teams like Insane who went to the ENSL finals. Ninelegends shouldn't face any problems and should be looking to take all the rounds.

Ninelegends 4 Testicules 0

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Reflect vs Flatline
Impact Players:
Reflect: Makeveli (Fade, Shotgun), Chuckers (Marine)
Flatline: phil (Lerk), Hivefish (Skulk)

Flatline forfeited last week and I really hope they don't forfeit again today. Unfortunately for them they've lost their primary fade and one of their best marines because Morvie has gone to the army. This is a really big blow to flatline and will no doubt effect their form and activity. With an already weak marine round before this, I don't see them taking any rounds off Reflect who have two solid fades and two solid lerks. Please don't forfeit, Flatline!

Reflect looked good last week and despite having 150 ping they made the most of Testicules shocking lack of teamwork and easily beat them 4-0. If flatline do play then they should be looking to do the same again to really put pressure on Ninelegends going into their week 4 matchup. They've proven some of their critics wrong though I can't say I'm entirely convinced yet and for me, this matchup will prove nothing either. Flatline won't be as strong as they can be and I'm more concerned that they'll not turn up than the result itself. Lets just look forward to them playing Ninelegends so we can see if the CAL runners up have really got what it takes to mince with the best of EU. Reflect should win and should win comfortably.

Reflect 4 Flatline 0