>>33026647It's 50/50 at this point.
If we look at patterns, which have become less relevant nowadays, Ash usually loses to the 1st or 2nd Gym Leader. Since Alola has no Gym Leaders and instead has Kahunas, Ash defeating Hala points us in the direction of him losing.
If Rowlet and Rockruff fight off Lurantis well and we see the "Carry" strategy at work against it, then maybe he can pull off a win. The added fact that Tapu Lele is watching the battle in only her 2nd appearance (as far as we're aware since we don't know if she appears in the next two trial battles) also SEEMS to point to Ash winning if it's to make her more interested in him. But her appearance could also be pointing towards a loss since she's seen to be a kind Pokemon, if Ash forfeits or loses and shows that he cares about his Pokemons well being then we could possibly see her challenge Ash to teach him something that could help him defeat Olivia.
Rockruff will be the deciding factor in this battle. It looks as if its going to stop heeding Ashs advice and instead get caught up in wanting to defeat Lycanroc, that would be a good reason for Ash to lose as well as giving him and Rockruff a chance to develop their bond/evolve for the rematch.
I do hope that it manages to defeat Lycanroc in it's rematch should it get one, as a Rockruff then evolving post battle.
