Sinistcha

Thanks to its supportive options, great ability, surprisingly solid bulk, Sinistcha finds itself as a great support Pokemon, notably completely walling the STAB attacks of all of Urshifu-R, Ursaluna, and Iron Hands while resisting other powerful moves, including Wood Hammer from Rillaboom, Thunderbolt from Raging Bolt, and Earth Power from Landorus.

Although its typing provides it with many useful resistances, it also comes with a multitude of weaknesses; Shadow Ball from Flutter Mane and Gholdengo, both of Chien-Pao STAB moves, and Dark- and Fire-type attacks from Incineroar and Chi-Yu prove to be troublesome. Flying-type attacks like Bleakwind Storm from Tornadus and Brave Bird from Galarian Zapdos also cause issues for Sinistcha. Additionally, Sinistcha finds itself vulnerable to moves such as Taunt and Encore from Pokemon like Tornadus and Whimsicott, preventing it from supporting its team properly.

Sinistcha likes to be paired alongside Pokemon like Gouging Fire and Ting-Lu that appreciate Sinistcha's ability to heal them and redirect attacks for them. Gouging Fire in particular can easily pressure threats like Flutter Mane, Gholdengo, Chien-Pao, and Ogerpon-H. Allies like Galarian Zapdos are also heavily appreciated, OHKOing threats to Sinistcha like Incineroar. In return, Sinistcha can provide redirection for Galarian Zapdos, which happens to be quite a frail Pokemon.

Sinistcha finds itself heavily favored against teams that struggle with wallbreaking power such as certain Raging Bolt balance structures and those that rely on options like Urshifu-R or non-Sandsear Storm Landorus. It also shines in situations where it can swap in to heal an ally with Hospitality and continue to support a potential setup sweeper like Howl Gouging Fire.