FunPlus Phoenix vs Team Liquid: VCT Stage 1 EMEA Challengers Group A Week 5 Predictions

VCT 2022 Stage 1 EMEA Challengers have returned with a weekend of enthralling matchups. The ongoing "Super Week" will witness several teams playing two matches over the weekend to make up for missing two entire weeks of matchups.

CIS side FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) are scheduled to face the esports powerhouse Team Liquid in a best-of-three matchup in their Week 5 fixture. Holding the top two spots in the Group A leaderboard, FPX and Liquid's upcoming encounter could be pivotal to deciding the winner of Group A before the playoffs.

FPX leads Group A in the first place, with two wins in their 2 Group Stage outings. On the other hand, Team Liquid have two wins, a loss to their credit, and trails behind FPX in second place.

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FunPlus Phoenix vs Team Liquid: Who will emerge victorious in this Group A matchup of the VCT Stage 1 EMEA Challengers Group Stage

FunPlus Phoenix are yet to play a match since their Week 2 matchup against Gambit, whereas Team Liquid earned a comfortable victory against LDN UTD during their Week 4 fixture.

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Predictions

Both FunPlus Phoenix and Team Liquid have enjoyed a good run at the VCT Stage 1 EMEA Challengers. However, being a team from the CIS region, FPX has had the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict impede their playing conditions.

Due to the possible unavailability of their in-game leader Kyrylo "ANGE1" Karasov, FPX have resorted to the acquisition of a substitute. Despite their ongoing problems, FPX have a squad capable of tackling some of the best teams in Valorant and are expected to put on an excellent performance.

Team Liquid enjoyed a 2-0 victory last week and are confident of cruising their way into the tournament's playoffs. Over the last few weeks, Liquid has surprised the audience with unique Agent choices and team compositions.

However, with players like Adil "ScreaM" Benrlitom and Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen in top form, Liquid should be able to overthrow their opponents with ease.

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Head-to-head

Over the last two years, FunPlus Phoenix and Team Liquid have had countless encounters, with seven listed official matches. Liquid has managed to win against FPX only once before.

Head-to-head results between FPX and Team Liquid (Image via vlr.gg)

FunPlus Phoenix won the last time both teams faced each other. However, both rosters have witnessed significant changes since meeting at the VCT 2021 Stage 3 Challengers.

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Recent results

FunPlus Phoenix are in exceptional form, having won seven consecutive matches leading up to the Week 5 matchup. So far in the Stage 1 EMEA Challengers, FPX has showcased their strength by toppling challenging opponents like BIG and Gambit Esports.

Recent results of FPX and Team Liquid (Image via vlr.gg)

After their performance at the Valorant Champions 2021, Team Liquid entered VCT 2022 as one of the top four teams in the world. Despite their opening day defeat, Liquid regained their position in the Group Stage with remarkable victories against Natus Vincere and LDN UTD.

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Potential lineups

FunPlus Phoenix

• Pontus "Zyppan" Eek
• Ardis ""ardiis" Svarenieks
• Kyrylo "ANGE1" Karasov
• Andrey "Shao" Kiprsky
• Dmitry "SUYGETSU666" Ilyushin
• Kamil "baddyG" Graniczka

Team Liquid

• Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom
• Adil "ScreaM" Benrlitom
• Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen
• Travis “L1NK” Mendoza
• Dom “soulcas” Sulcas

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When and where to watch

VCT Stage 1 EMEA Challengers will be streamed live across Valorant's and VCT's official handles across Twitch and YouTube. FunPlus Phoenix and Team Liquid will kick off their Week 5 fixture on March 12 at 8.30 PM IST.