SKT T1 vs Afreeca Freecs – LCK Spring 2019

The LCK is about to kick off and it will be an exciting practice to have a look at the match of the most decorated team in the competitive world of League of Legends.

The reason we have picked this match for you is that it is the matchup of the 3x World Champions, SK Telecom T1 against Afreeca Freecs. We will have a comprehensive look at the lineup of one of the most prestigious LoL teams in the world. Since SK Telecom T1 has made a fair share of changes for the upcoming season.

SKT T1

This is not the first time that SKT is getting a new look. Already at the beginning of season 4, after a world title, the team had rebuilt itself around its mid laner. During this chaotic season, the new roster had failed to qualify for the Worlds, even if it had been unbeaten at the All-Stars.

This time, SKT is rebuilding itself around more experienced players with different qualities that will be key during this new season.

Mata and Teddy (botlane)

Park ” Teddy ” Jin-seong is particularly known for being an excellent late game carry with a CS record beaten last year (1465). His high quality of farming (best CS per minute in Korea during the Spring and Summer Split 2018) and his style of play make him a growing threat as a game lasts. Alongside him, Cho ” Mata ” Se-hyeong is supporting with great experience and shotcall quality recognized by all. After a world title in season 4 and an excellent run in the teams like RNG and KT Rolster, Mata seems to be a perfect choice for the new red and white roster. His style of play and the vision he brings will provide more security to the two aggressive junglers that SKT has recruited for this new season. In addition, his high mobility on the map should not hinder Teddy, who has proven to be more than able to hold a lane in 1v2 situations.

Clid and Haru (jungle)

The change of meta during season 8 has negatively impacted SKT. The most aggressive teams have managed to make their mark and the scaling-style of the triple world champion team has not managed to find its place in this new meta. This style of play had become the default style of the biggest Korean teams that today seek to better enter the meta to find success.

SKT is no exception with the recruitment of two dynamic and early style junglers needed today. Haru, in particular, was able to stand out in Gen.G (formerly Samsung) when Ambition was not up to it, proving his strength and his mind when his team was in a delicate situation. However, for now, it’s Cli. Known for being an aggressive jungler, he has performed for three years in China and has attracted the attention of several Korean teams. Particularly good with the support of pro-active support, he adapts perfectly to the new synergy that SKT1 created with its recruitments. He describes himself as a player who loves snowball and ready to take risks early in the game to lead his team to victory. In a meta where the jungle-mid duo was reinforced by the update of the carapace, the agreement with Faker will be key for the victory. It’s a turning point in Bengi’s or Blank’s style of play, and they have been betting on the vision to bring the team to victory.

Khan and Crazy (top)

It is in the light of this reformation that Kim ” Khan ” Dong-ha and Kim ” Crazy ” Jae-hee come to settle in the toplane, to come to complete the aggressive and pro-active style of play that the team looking for the approach in the season 9. In a meta where the toplane is a major challenge, they are two new assets at the dawn of 2019. Khan especially is known for his excellent Jayce and his quality to play bruisers perfectly the new offensive junglers. In an earlier and faster meta, these two players, if meet expectations, could help SKT to better start the games and cut with the old style of play of the team.

Mid Lane Action

This new team, however, completes Faker, the cornerstone of this composition. Tirelessly good, he is able to bring positive trades on his lane. Trades allow early ganks from his two new junglers. In addition, his ability to carry with a minimum of resources will leave room for Teddy to farm up to be able to fully carry the late game.

Let’s not forget Kim ” kkOma ” Jeong-gyun, Head Coach of the team, present since 2012. He knew the team in better and worse. His knowledge of the team and his relentlessness should bring an additional experience more than beneficial to a brand-new team. Kkoma is the man of the shadow who has always been able to wear SKT and restart the team. As long as he is present, confidence will remain present in the triple world champion team.

SKT has all the weapons to come back in force in 2019. This new composition fits perfectly into the current meta. Faker has full confidence in his new roster, necessary insurance after a difficult year. SKT has all the cards in hand to start this year in style. We have already seen this new team at work during the KeSPA Cup, after a good start, the team was eliminated in the round of 16 against Damwon Gaming 2-1. Difficulties are present and the roster still has to prove if it wants to return to the level that has known the team in recent years.

Final Verdict

SK Telecom T1 2 – 1 Afreeca Freecs

Odds on bookmakers

Bookmakers	SKT T1 Odds		Afreeca Freecs Odds
	European	American	European	American
GG.bet	1.32	-312.50	3.09	+209.00
Loot.bet	1.36	-277.78	3.10	+210.00
Bet365	1.44	-227.27	2.62	+162.00
Betway	1.30	-333.33	3.20	+220.00