Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 13, 2024 8:16 am GMT
FC St. Pauli is in desperate need of a turnaround as they host RB Leipzig this Sunday at the Millerntor-Stadion. Sitting second from the bottom of the Bundesliga and yet to earn a point this season, St. Pauli faces a steep challenge against Leipzig, who are solidly positioned in third place. With both teams coming into the match with different forms, the outcome could have significant implications for both sides.
Struggling Start for St. Pauli
This season has been far from ideal for the newly-promoted St. Pauli. After three matches, they find themselves at 17th place without a single point. Their record includes three losses, the latest being a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Augsburg. Here are some key points about St. Pauli’s struggles:
- The team has recorded the least expected goals (xG) in the league.
- They have produced the fewest big chances and averaged the least shots on target per game.
- Despite controlling 57% possession against Augsburg, they conceded six big chances while failing to convert their own opportunities.
Manager Alexander Blessin has had a challenging start, with only one victory in his four competitive matches. The pressure is mounting, and he must find a way to inspire his players to improve their fortunes. St. Pauli’s depth is also being tested as key offensive players Maurides, Morgan Guilavogui, and Simon Zoller are sidelined due to injuries.
The expected lineup for St. Pauli features:
- Goalkeeper: Nikola Vasilj
- Defenders: Hauke Wahl, Eric Smith, Adam Dźwigała
- Midfield: Jackson Irvine, Carlo Boukhalfa
- Forwards: Elias Saad, Dapo Afolayan, Johannes Eggestein
The team will likely set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation and will need contributions from their midfield and wing-backs if they hope to challenge Leipzig effectively.
RB Leipzig’s Strong Performance
Conversely, RB Leipzig has made a strong start to their Bundesliga campaign. With seven points and an impressive comeback victory against Bayer Leverkusen, they have shown resilience and attacking prowess. Here are highlights of Leipzig’s recent performance:
- Leipzig ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 35-game unbeaten run with a 3-2 victory, even after trailing 2-0.
- Despite a recent 0-0 draw against Union Berlin, their performance had enough quality to keep them in contention for the top spots.
- Their only blemish came in the Champions League, losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid despite scoring first.
Manager Marco Rose will likely adjust his team’s strategy following their recent defeat in the Champions League, where they were unable to capitalize on an early lead. Despite suffering injuries to key players such as Xaver Schlager and Kevin Kampl, Leipzig remains a formidable opponent.
Their likely lineup may resemble:
- Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
- Defenders: Benjamin Henrichs, Willi Orban, Castello Lukeba, David Raum
- Midfield: Amadou Haidara, Nicolas Seiwald, Arthur Vermeeren
- Forwards: Antonio Nusa, Benjamin Sesko, Lois Openda
Leipzig is expected to play in a 4-4-2 formation, relying on the pace and goal-scoring ability of Sesko and Openda to exploit St. Pauli’s vulnerable defense.
Injury Updates and Tactics
Injuries have created challenges for both teams. St. Pauli’s injury list includes:
- Sascha Burchert (goalkeeper) and Soren Ahlers (goalkeeper) – both sidelined.
- Conor Metcalfe (midfielder) – expected to miss until early October.
- Maurides, Morgan Guilavogui, and Simon Zoller (forwards) – out but expected back next month.
For Leipzig, the injuries impacting their squad include:
- Xaver Schlager (midfielder) – out until January with a cruciate ligament injury.
- Assan Ouedraogo and Kevin Kampl (midfielders) – will also miss the match.
Despite these setbacks, Leipzig’s depth allows them to rotate players effectively.
Match Prediction
With the two teams entering the match on opposite trajectories, expectations lean heavily in favor of RB Leipzig. Their attacking capabilities, led by players like Lois Openda, pose significant challenges for St. Pauli, whose defense has already shown frailties this season.
Sports analysts predict a comfortable victory for Leipzig, estimating a potential score of 3-0. St. Pauli will need to dig deep to turn their season around against such a capable opponent, and it will take a collective effort to improve their chances.
As St. Pauli aims to secure their first points, they face an uphill battle against a strong Leipzig side hoping to maintain their current form.
The match is going to be really exciting! Everyone will be watching to see how St. Pauli handles the pressure as they start their new adventure in the Bundesliga.
