St. Pauli’s Quest for Survival: A Turning Point Against Gladbach?
Borussia Mönchengladbach hosts St. Pauli this Friday in a crucial Bundesliga match with significant implications for both clubs’ fight to avoid relegation. The game carries added weight for St. Pauli, remembering a particularly difficult 0-4 defeat against Gladbach on November 1, 2025. Coach Alexander Blessin acknowledged the need to overcome that past result, stating, “We definitely have something to make up for.”
From Slump to Momentum: St. Pauli’s Recent Form
St. Pauli endured a ten-game winless streak in the Bundesliga between mid-September and mid-December 2025. However, a turning point arrived with a 2-1 victory in Gladbach on December 2nd, 2025, in the DFB-Pokal. This win sparked a resurgence, with the team collecting ten points from their last five Bundesliga games, including a recent 1-0 win against Hoffenheim and a 0-0 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt.
Blessin emphasizes the importance of maintaining this momentum, urging his team to “not stop being greedy.” Approximately 5,000 St. Pauli fans are expected to travel to Gladbach to support the team, many utilizing a special train service.
Injury Concerns and Potential Lineups
St. Pauli will be without Manolis Saliakas (thigh injury) and James Sands (ankle injury – requiring surgery, ending his season). Lars Ritzka and Adam Dzwigala are likely replacements. Louis Oppie, who scored the decisive goal in the DFB-Pokal win against Gladbach, is too in contention for a starting position. Andreas Hountondji, Mathias Rasmussen, and David Nemeth have recovered from injuries and are included in the squad. Blessin highlighted Hountondji’s potential impact, noting his speed “can be a trump card for us.”
Predicted Lineups:
Mönchengladbach: Nicolas – Sander, Elvedi, Diks – Scally, Engelhardt, Stöger, Castrop – Honorat, Tabakovic, Mohya
St. Pauli: Vasilj – Dzwigala, Wahl, Ando – Pyrka, Smith, Irvine, Ritzka – Fujita, Sinani, Pereira Lage
A Tight Table: Can St. Pauli Leapfrog Gladbach?
Currently, only one point separates Gladbach (12th place) and St. Pauli (16th place) in the Bundesliga standings. A victory for St. Pauli would see them overtake Gladbach. However, Blessin downplayed the significance of this specific matchup, stating, “We find still 27 points to play for. That’s a big pile. It will be a close race until the last matchday.”
Did you know?
St. Pauli’s recent form has been a significant improvement, demonstrating their resilience and determination in the face of a challenging season.
FAQ
Q: What is at stake in this match?
A: Both teams are fighting to avoid relegation, making this a crucial six-pointer.
Q: Who are the key players to watch for St. Pauli?
A: Louis Oppie, Andreas Hountondji, and Pereira Lage are key players for St. Pauli.
Q: What was the result of the previous meeting between these two teams?
A: Gladbach defeated St. Pauli 4-0 on November 1, 2025.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on set-piece situations. Both teams have shown vulnerability in defending corners and free kicks.
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