St Pauli will have a monumental task ahead when they host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich this Saturday at Millerntor-Stadion.
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The newly-promoted side, currently sitting in 15th place with just eight points from nine games, are struggling to make their mark in the league. In contrast, Bayern Munich are riding high in the table with 23 points and a commanding 3-0 victory over Union Berlin last weekend.
Match Preview
St Pauli’s win against Hoffenheim on November 2 marked a rare positive moment in their recent run, snapping a five-game winless streak that included three defeats. Despite having just 32% possession and facing 12 shots, they managed a 2-0 victory, with a solid defensive display earning them their second consecutive clean sheet. Head coach Alexander Blessin acknowledged the need for more aggression off the ball and warned that Bayern will be a far tougher opponent.
The hosts have struggled offensively this season, scoring only seven goals and conceding 11, with the worst attack and the fourth-best defense in the Bundesliga. Their home form has been particularly poor, failing to secure a victory in four games, with two draws and two losses.
Bayern Munich’s Dominance: Bayern, on the other hand, have been in excellent form, winning their last three Bundesliga matches and securing a crucial 1-0 victory over Benfica in the Champions League midweek. Despite a shaky start in Europe, Bayern showed their class by limiting Benfica to just one shot on goal. The Bavarians have been especially formidable on the road, winning four of five away games in the Bundesliga and scoring an impressive 22 goals in the process.
Manager Vincent Kompany’s side have been ruthless in their attacking play, netting 13 goals in their last four matches. Bayern have also kept four consecutive clean sheets, highlighting their defensive solidity. With key players like Harry Kane leading the line and a dynamic midfield featuring Musiala and Coman, Bayern will be looking to add to their already significant tally.
Team News and Lineups
St Pauli will be without several key players, including goalkeepers Ben Alexander Voll, Soren Ahlers, and Sascha Burchert, as well as winger Philipp Treu. Their attack will be further depleted, with Conor Metcalfe, Elias Saad, Scott Banks, and Simon Zoller all unavailable. Expect a forward line consisting of Oladapo Afolayan, Johannes Eggestein, and Morgan Guilavogui, supported by a solid defense.
Bayern Munich have fewer injury concerns, with Aleksandar Pavlovic, Sven Ulreich, and Sacha Boey all sidelined. However, manager Kompany can still field a strong lineup, including the likes of Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and Alphonso Davies in defense. Harry Kane is set to lead the attack, with Musiala, Olise, and Coman providing support in the final third.
St Pauli Possible Starting Lineup:
Vasilj; Wahl, Smith, Mets; Saliakas, Irvine, Boukhalfa, Ritzka; Afolayan, Eggestein, Guilavogui
Bayern Munich Possible Starting Lineup:
Neuer; Guerreiro, Upamecano, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Musiala, Coman; Kane
Prediction
Given the number of attacking absentees and St Pauli’s inconsistent form, it’s difficult to see them posing a real offensive threat to Bayern. With Bayern’s firepower and strong away form this season, they are expected to dominate this fixture. Multiple goals for the visitors seem highly probable, and St Pauli will need to produce something special to keep the scoreline respectable.
