In a crucial clash at Millerntor-Stadion on Saturday afternoon, St Pauli faces Wolfsburg, with both teams struggling at the wrong end of the Bundesliga table. The hosts are searching for their first home victory and goal this season, while Wolfsburg boasts a potent attack but struggles defensively.
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St Pauli’s Struggles
Since their return to the Bundesliga, St Pauli has had a rocky start, collecting just one point from three home matches and suffering five defeats in their first seven games—an unwanted record for the club.
Their recent loss to Borussia Dortmund saw them briefly equalize through Eric Smith before conceding again, leaving them in 16th place, three points from safety.
The Kiezkicker have experienced a dip in form, with back-to-back defeats halting any momentum gained from their previous points. Remarkably, they have yet to score at home this season and face the daunting prospect of extending their winless home run to nine matches.
However, history offers a glimmer of hope, as St Pauli has only lost one of their last 14 encounters with Wolfsburg across all competitions and remains unbeaten in their last four Bundesliga matches against them.
Wolfsburg’s Challenges
Wolfsburg, managed by Ralph Hasenhuttl, also has pressing issues. Despite leading 1-0 in their last outing, they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Werder Bremen, marking their worst defensive start to a season in the top flight.
The team has dropped a league-high 11 points from winning positions, compounded by a poor disciplinary record that has seen them receive the most yellow cards and joint-most red cards in the Bundesliga. This week, they will be without key players Maximilian Arnold and Patrick Wimmer, both suspended.
Wolfsburg currently sits in 13th place, but their scoring record is noteworthy, having found the back of the net in every match this season. They have equaled a club record of 15 goals after seven matches, reflecting their offensive potential even amid defensive struggles.
Team News
Wolfsburg’s injury list includes several players, such as Bartosz Bialek and Lukas Nmecha, along with the suspensions of Arnold and Wimmer. The absence of Wimmer has notably affected their performance, with the team averaging significantly fewer points per game without him.
St Pauli, on the other hand, is missing a trio of goalkeepers and other key players, but Nikola Vasilj will start in goal. Captain Jackson Irvine is expected to partner Robert Wagner in midfield, with Johannes Eggestein leading the attack.
With both teams in dire need of points, this matchup promises to be intense. St Pauli’s home struggles could prove decisive against a Wolfsburg side capable of scoring but lacking defensive solidity. Given their recent form and attacking potential, Wolfsburg is favored to secure the win in Hamburg.
