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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

About the author

Adarsh is an Esports and Gaming writer at Sportskeeda specializing in FPS games like Valorant, Counter-Strike, and Overwatch 2. After joining Sportskeeda in October 2021, he has authored over 750 stories that collectively have garnered 1.5 million views. By meticulously following reputable sources and enhancing his knowledge of the topics he covers, Adarsh eliminates any margin for error, ensuring his readers receive the most accurate information. As a Journalism graduate, these practices are skills he has honed through practical experience.

In addition to his role as a gaming journalist, Adarsh managed the Valorant, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), and Overwatch 2 departments at Sportskeeda for nearly two years. He also serves as an Esports and Gaming Editor, boasting over a year of experience in this capacity. A significant milestone in his career involves attending various international Valorant events and conducting more than 150 interviews with some of the top talents in esports.

Adarsh's gaming journey began at the age of 3 when his parents introduced him to Roadrash. While he was too young to play independently, his parents assisted him in savoring every aspect of the game. Fast forward twenty years, Adarsh continues to exhibit a passion for video games, particularly competitive and tactical FPS titles. As a result of his fondness for football, he is a devoted fan of the EA Sports FIFA or FC series as well.

During his leisure time, Adarsh indulges in reading books and watching sports. A passionate supporter of Manchester United, he is an ardent football enthusiast. He also takes pleasure in watching basketball, tennis, MMA, and poker, actively participating in these sports as well. Furthermore, Adarsh harbors a deep-seated love for cinema, enjoying the exploration and dissection of its complexities.

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Edited by Yasho Amonkar