Games within the group stage of Lima Major 2023 are gaining momentum. Ahead of us is a duel between PSG.LGD and TSM.
Both clubs are the best representatives of their regions. The battle can be heated, but there are several important "buts".
PSG.LGD won the Chinese division. The team ended it with two defeats, but still took the championship.
TSM have become leaders in North America. The team managed to go through the first season without a single defeat.
We figure out which of the champions of their leagues will be stronger, if there is such a team at all.
Form PSG.LGD
We start the review with an analysis of the game form of PSG.LGD. A good outcome is predicted for the team in this match.
PSG.LGD are in the favorite status. The chance of winning the Chinese giant is estimated by the bookmaker with a coefficient of around 2.3.
It is easy to agree with this. Like it or not, the team won the Chinese division - and this is an achievement, even taking into account the fallen performance of teams from China.
PSG.LGD roster
Speculation around PSG.LGD went on immediately after the end of The International 2022. The worst fears were confirmed: three main links left the club, and not the most eminent representatives of the region were invited to take their place.
PSG.LGD Players
- shiro
- NothingToSay
- 项羽
- planet
- y`
However, xiao8 remained in place and that was enough. Like it or not, but the factor of the coach in relation to PSG.LGD plays a major role, as for me.
The players are good too and it's good to have y` with NothingToSay to help beginners get used to playing on a really big stage. Lima Major 2023 will be the first major challenge in the career of the newly arrived trio of performers, and therefore we will be following them very closely.
Performance of PSG.LGD
Since the team made it to Lima from first place at DPC 2023: CN - Upper Division, it makes sense to remember their path as part of the home scene. You can't call it straightforward, as PSG.LGD encountered problems during the race.
PSG.LGD finished DPC 2023: CN - Upper Division with a 6-1 record. The only loss against the Knights in the second week of the tour.
It should be noted that the xiao8 team reached the first place through replays. Having beaten Aster in the final regulated match, PSG.LGD leveled up with another Chinese giant in terms of statistics, which sent the teams to replays.
In the decisive match, PSG.LGD were relentless: the team closed Aster with a score of 2-0 without much chance, having beaten their counterparts in 25 and 35 minutes, respectively. This is an important moment that speaks to the attitude of PSG.LGD and their ability to adapt and grow as the tournament progresses.
Before this match, PSG.LGD will play against Evil Geniuses. In that match, we expect a very tight fight with a potential draw.
Heroes PSG.LGD
PSG.LGD valued Primal Beast (6 games, 66% win rate), Tiny (6 matches, 50% win rate), Leshrac (6 matches, 50% win rate), Enigma (5 matches, 60% win rate). They love Alchemist, bringing him into the meta: 2 games, 100% win rate.
Form TSM
Let's move on to the review of the Team SoloMid game form. In this match, the team has few chances, but they are.
TSM will play as an outsider. The bookmaker estimates the chance of the Americans to win with odds around 4.5.
In truth, such a figure on bo2 is quite a normal indicator. It is due to ignorance of the objective form of the teams, since the teams have not yet started playing at Lima Major 2023. However, they played in their regions and at other local tournaments, which gives space for reflection.
Composition of TSM
Like PSG.LGD, TSM lost the main parts of their squads during the transfer period. The American club said goodbye to two players.
- Timado
- Bryle
- kasane
- Ari
- whitemon
The backbone of the team remained unchanged: Timado, Bryle and Whitemon in their places. The newcomers were kasane and Ari.
Within the framework of the regional league, it looked good, but the question is different. Will young players be able to keep up with the pace that PSG.LGD and other representatives of the TOP Dota 2 will demonstrate.
TSM Performance
TSM made it to the Lima Major from first place in North America. As part of the top division, TSM won 7 matches out of 7.
What added weight to the result was the ease with which they did it. For 7 series, TSM lost only one map.
By the way, we lost not to the main competitor from SR, but to nouns, which took 3rd place and did not reach the major.
Before the match with PSG.LGD they will play against Team Spirit. In a duel with the “dragons” there are not many chances, but, again, bo2 for that and bo2, so that it would be easier for outsiders.
Heroes TSM
The top picks for TSM in the first DPC season were Crystal Maiden and Snapfire. The heroines have appeared 9 times and has a 66% win rate.
Another popular character is Riki. Played 7 times with 85% win rate.
Ember Spirit and Treant Protector have been picked 6 times and have an 83% win rate.
History of personal confrontations
Previously, the teams did not meet each other in official matches. This game will be the debut face-to-face confrontation of the updated rosters.
Match outcome
Given the stupid format of the group stage, I'm more inclined to believe in a draw, but not in this case. As for me, PSG.LGD should outplay their counterparts.
I do not believe in special successes of TSM: they will be able to squeeze a couple of cards, spoil the statistics of other members of group A, but nothing more. In general, someone needs to be relegated, and TSM seems to be one of those teams. Well, we haven't seen them in action yet.
Outcome: victory for PSG.LGD.
