Bundesliga | Preview: St Pauli vs. RB Leipzig

FIy999 2024/09/21 07:15

St Pauli will aim to pick up their first points of the season on Sunday when they host RB Leipzig at Millerntor-Stadion in the Bundesliga.


Match preview


Given that the hosts are only a newly-promoted side, it would be unfair to be overly critical of their performances in the top flight, but they have struggled to create many chances.


In fact, St Pauli have created the least xG, produced the fewest big chances and averaged the fewest shots on target per match of any team in the division.


Freibeuter der Liga lost 3-1 on September 15 last time out against Augsburg, and though they had 57% possession they still conceded six big chances despite dominating the ball.


Manager Alexander Blessin has only won once in his four competitive games in charge, winning 3-2 after extra time against fourth-tier side Hallescher FC in the first round of the DFB Pokal on August 16.


Blessin's side have lost their last three matches by a cumulative score of 6-1, though they have won six of their last eight league games at home.


Opponents RB Leipzig have started their top-flight season in strong form, and even managed to end Bayer Leverkusen's 35-game unbeaten Bundesliga run when they won 3-2 in their second league game on August 31.


Die Roten Bullen's win was even more remarkable considering they had to come back from a 2-0 deficit, though they followed up this good result with a 0-0 draw against Union Berlin on September 14 in their next league match.


Leipzig also lost 2-1 against Atletico Madrid on Thursday in their first game of their Champions League campaign, a result that will be particularly disappointing to manager Marco Rose given the Spanish side scored their winner in the 90th minute.


Rose's team had taken the lead against Atletico Madrid in the fourth minute thanks to Benjamin Sesko, but in truth, the Leipzig boss can have no complaints with the scoreline considering his side had just one shot on target after Sesko's goal.


Die Roten Bullen's defeat against Atletico was their first loss in their last 17 competitive matches, and was the first time they lost when scoring first since their 3-2 defeat against Bayer Leverkusen on January 20.


Leipzig have drawn four of their last six Bundesliga matches, and have won nine and drawn five of their last 14 league games.


Injury list:

St. Pauli

27 (Center) Simon Zoller

8 (Central Defender) Eric Smith

24 (AM) Connor Metcalf

29 (right winger) Morgan Guilavogi

28 (Goalkeeper) Ahen Soler

26 (left winger) Saad

RB Leipzig

24 (Central Midfielder) X. Schrager

20 (Central Midfielder) Forzan Odraogo

(Central Midfielder) Assan Ouedraogo


possible starting lineup:

  • FC St. Pauli

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