Dplus vs Nongshim RedForce on January 21
The anticipation surrounding the clash between Dplus and Nongshim RedForce on January 21 in the Champions Korea tournament is palpable. This is a match that promises not only a high-stakes showdown but a tactical masterclass, with both teams bringing distinct playstyles to the table. For Dplus, the competition offers a chance to strengthen their position in the tournament, while Nongshim RedForce will look to capitalize on recent momentum and push for a higher ranking. With playoff spots on the line, every decision, every teamfight, and every strategy will matter.
Dplus: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Dplus has been on a strong upward trajectory, with their last five matches showcasing a well-rounded and disciplined approach. Their primary tactical setup revolves around a flexible mid-to-late game strategy, where they rely on clean rotations and prioritizing vision control in key areas of the map. Dplus plays with high map awareness, making use of their jungler to establish early pressure. In recent games, they’ve had a significant 70%+ control of objectives per game, reflecting their ability to secure dragons and Rift Heralds at opportune moments. Their approach is methodical but aggressive, often looking for picks in the jungle and engaging in smart skirmishes when the enemy is isolated.
In terms of statistics, Dplus has demonstrated impressive efficiency in their teamfights, boasting a kill participation rate of over 80% for their core members. Their laning phase is also solid, with a particularly high gold per minute (GPM) rate of 330, showing their ability to scale into the later stages of the game. The key players for Dplus are their mid-laner and jungler—both of whom are in top form. The mid-laner is an excellent map navigator, enabling the team to execute cross-map rotations flawlessly, while their jungler's presence in key fights elevates the team’s overall synergy.
However, all eyes are on the bot lane, where a player has been struggling with consistency recently. Dplus will need to ensure that their bottom lane doesn't become a point of weakness, as Nongshim RedForce's aggressive bot lane could exploit any missteps.
Nongshim RedForce: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Nongshim RedForce’s recent form has been impressive, especially their ability to play an aggressive, fast-paced game. Their key strategy revolves around early-game dominance—securing lane priority in all three lanes, with a special focus on bot lane pressure. Nongshim excels in controlling the tempo through their aggressive jungler, who frequently invades the enemy’s jungle to disrupt farm and deny objectives. Their high tempo is reflected in their 60% early game kill participation, a stat that speaks volumes about their ability to convert pressure into kills.
What’s particularly noteworthy is Nongshim’s ability to punish uncoordinated rotations. Their warding, while not as refined as Dplus’s, is more focused on tactical invasions. This unpredictability makes them hard to read, and in the past few matches, they've capitalized on small mistakes by their opponents to snowball games. In terms of statistics, Nongshim ranks higher than most teams in jungle proximity (around 75%), ensuring that their core players—mid and bot—are always supported during critical phases of the game.
Key players for Nongshim RedForce include their mid-laner and bot laner. The mid-laner has been a standout performer with an 80% kill participation rate, showcasing exceptional roaming ability and influence across the map. Their bot laner has also been in peak form, carrying much of the early pressure and transitioning to impactful teamfights. That said, Nongshim’s top lane remains a potential weak spot, as they occasionally fall behind in terms of farm and pressure. This could be a liability against a team like Dplus, which excels at exploiting isolated players.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The head-to-head record between Dplus and Nongshim RedForce is intriguing. Over the last five encounters, Dplus has won three times, with two matches ending in favor of Nongshim. However, it’s the nature of these games that stands out—Dplus often secures victories in longer, more methodical games, while Nongshim’s wins have typically come in faster-paced matches, where they have been able to overwhelm Dplus with their superior early-game aggression. The psychological battle here is clear: Dplus thrives in extended teamfights and structured play, while Nongshim thrives in chaotic skirmishes. The key question is whether Dplus can keep Nongshim's pace under control, or if Nongshim can disrupt Dplus’ rhythm with their quick tempo.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The match’s outcome will hinge on several critical individual and positional duels:
- Mid-Lane Battle: Dplus’s mid-laner is renowned for his map presence and roaming ability. However, Nongshim’s mid-laner has been in phenomenal form, consistently applying pressure to both side lanes. This will be a crucial battle, with both teams looking to control the center of the map. The winner of this duel could dictate the pace of the entire game.
- Bot-Lane Skirmishes: Nongshim’s bot lane has been aggressive in recent weeks, often securing early kills and applying consistent pressure. Dplus will need to neutralize this threat and avoid falling into a snowballing situation. If Nongshim’s bot lane gets ahead early, they could control the map and force Dplus into uncomfortable fights.
- Top Lane Pressure: Dplus will be looking to exploit Nongshim’s relatively weak top lane, where they have occasionally been exposed. Dplus’s top laner has the potential to carry a series if given the right opportunities. The battle here will be about map control and preventing the top lane from being ignored by the junglers.
The critical area of the map will be the jungle, where both teams have to make efficient rotations. Dplus’s superior vision control gives them an edge in controlling the flow of the game, while Nongshim’s ability to invade could provide them with the tools to dictate the pace. The early jungle skirmishes will be decisive.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Both teams come into this match with distinct tactical approaches: Dplus is the more methodical, late-game focused team, while Nongshim thrives in quick, chaotic engagements. Expect Dplus to play for late-game scaling, relying on their vision control and teamfighting prowess, while Nongshim will aim to disrupt and overpower in the early and mid-game. If Nongshim’s early-game aggression isn’t punished, they could overwhelm Dplus; however, Dplus’s discipline and control could see them outlast Nongshim’s early burst.
In terms of predictions, Dplus has the upper hand in terms of consistency and tactical maturity. However, if Nongshim can secure an early lead, the match could easily tilt in their favor. The most likely scenario is a tight, drawn-out game that swings in Dplus’s favor if they manage to hold firm in the early skirmishes.
Final Thoughts
The match between Dplus and Nongshim RedForce will come down to which team can execute their strategy with precision. Dplus has the edge in terms of map control and late-game teamfighting, while Nongshim's early-game pressure will be the deciding factor. This game will test whether Dplus can withstand the early aggression and then outscale Nongshim, or if Nongshim can finish the job before Dplus has a chance to get comfortable.
Which team’s style will prevail—Dplus’s methodical precision or Nongshim’s chaotic aggression? That’s the question this match will answer.
