Deerling

Deerling's main niche in the Little Cup metagame lies in its ability Sap Sipper, which gives it an immunity to Grass-type moves. Thanks to Sap Sipper, Deerling serves as one of the only offensive Snivy checks, able to switch in on a Leaf Storm, gain an Attack boost, and outspeed and KO the opposing Snivy. Deerling also forces out various other Grass-types and can capitalize on that fact thanks to its wide movepool. Additionally, Deerling's great base Speed stat allows it to hit 18 Speed, outspeeding much of the unboosted metagame. Deerling's unique STAB combination lets it hit common Grass-type checks with Normal coverage, and it is the only offensive Grass-type that can do this. This unique typing holds it back, however, giving it a weakness to common powerful Flying- and Fighting-type priority moves, which somewhat offsets its high Speed, and leaving it weak to common moves such as Ice Beam and U-turn. Deerling also is easily crippled by status, which many of the Pokemon it aims to check can easily inflict (such as Glare Snivy and Scald or Thunder Wave Chinchou). Additionally, Deerling's defensive stats, though acceptable, are not much more than that, which gives it limited durability in a match.