The Group stage comes to a close at the FC Pro Open on Monday night as Match Week 8 concludes the action to reveal which eight competitors will be heading to the FC Pro Open Finals.
Just two places remain after Vejrgang and AbuMakkah cemented their places in Match Week 7, joining Emre Yilmaz, Umut, PHzin, and Young.
Levi De Weerd is currently at the top of the table with nine points in Group D, but things are very much in the balance with Fouma and Obrun on seven points each, while The1OS (4 points) and Tekkz (1 point) have a little bit more to do to pave their way to the next stage.
Here are the players and matches to look out for in Match Week 8 of the FC Pro Open.
Players to watch at the FC Pro Open - Match Week 7
Levi De Weerd - Team Gullit Pro Levi De Weerd put together a string of consistent performances in Match Week 4, standing out for his impressive defensive ability. No player has let in fewer goals than the Dutchman, who has conceded just six in four matches. De Weerd’s ability to control matches and make strong decisions will be vital in helping him maintain top spot in the group.
Fouma - Lorient esports pro Fouma was the top scorer from Group D in Match Week 4 after scoring 15 times in four games, and it was clear that the French star was one of the most composed players at the FC Pro Open. Coming off three straight eLigue 1 championships, Fouma has the level of caliber required to win Group D, and that could see his clash with Levi De Weerd as the most important one on Match Week 8.
Tekkz - A surprise performance from Tekkz saw him never really get going in Match Week 4, with his only point coming in the 4-4 draw with The1OS. Being six points off second place means there is still a chance of qualification for the England international, but all focus will be on making the strongest possible start during his first two matches – though he will be required to improve his current defensive average of conceding 4.5 goals per game.
Three matches to watch at the FC Pro Open - Match Week 8
Fouma vs Obrun
Neither player could be separated the last time these two met in Match Week 4 as the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Everything is in the balance as they come into Match Week 8, with both on eight points, and that means qualification could hinge on whoever comes out on top in this one.
Obrun will be looking to become the 2nd 2023 eWorld Cup semi-finalist to make it through to the FC Pro Open Finals after PHzin confirmed his place in the competition, but French pro Fouma has proven that he can match anyone on his day, which could see a tense match take place between two of the in-form stars in Group D.
Tekkz vs Levi de Weerd
Tekkz got off to a strong start last time around when taking the lead against Levi de Weerd in round one, but things quickly turned as he faced a 4-2 defeat and all-round disappointing display for the rest of Match Week 4.
Victory for Tekkz in Match Week 8 could see the dynamics in Group D change, with the English pro requiring an almost perfect run-in to have any hope of qualifying to the FC Pro Open Finals, and that sees his match against the group leader as a crucial one – especially with automatic qualification to the next Global Qualifier up for grabs for all players avoiding a bottom placed finish.
Obrun vs The1OS
A surprise result for the1OS last time around saw him secure a 3-0 victory over the 2023 eWorld Cup semi-finalist. A repeat performance from the Saudi Arabian esports pro could put the qualification spots of all players in Group D at risk, with potentially four players on close points totals.
Obrun performed better after his defeat by securing wins over Levi de Weerd in Tekkz in Match Week 4, and the Italy international will be hopeful of continuing his run of form to ensure he maintains momentum in his push to make it to the FC Pro Open Finals.
