Taliyah vs Zilean MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Taliyah

VS

Mid

Zilean

Taliyah vs Zilean

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 10, 2026

Overview

Use (Q) to poke and thin the wave, then hold (W) and (E) to punish Zilean's approach or bomb zones.
Prioritize crashing waves to create roam opportunities before Zilean can set up double bombs.
Avoid extended trades since Zilean manipulates speed and can punish with double (Q) stuns and (R) revive.

Trading pattern

Poke with (Q) from max range, then punish any forward movement with (W) displacement into (E) slow.
Avoid engaging when (W) and (E) are down, as Zilean can counter with speed and double bombs.
Use wave crashes to force Zilean back and deny him safe bomb placement on minions.

Danger windows

Respect Zilean's double (Q) stun setup, especially when he controls brush or slows you with (E).
Avoid extended trades when (W) and (E) are on cooldown, as you lack peel and mobility.
Be cautious pushing without vision, as (R) can enable enemy all-ins or counter-engages.

Early game

Track Zilean's level 2 timing to avoid his speed boost and double bomb setup.
Use worked ground to clear quickly and contest river vision for safer roam timings.
Punish Zilean when he wastes (W) cooldown or misses bombs by stepping into (E) zone.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks map pressure; use it to force roams or picks, but respect Zilean's revive timing.
First mage item improves your poke and wave clear, allowing more confident trades and roams.
Level 3 grants full (Q)-(W)-(E) combo; hold (W) and (E) for punishing Zilean's predictable movement or bomb zones.

Win conditions

Control mid wave with (Q) poke, then shove and roam to create pressure on river or side lanes.
Punish Zilean's bomb zones and speed boosts by forcing him to waste cooldowns or miss skillshots.
Track and bait (R) revive to force him into defensive play and secure kills elsewhere.