Czech Republic
Indonesia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Nigeria
North Macedonia
United Arab Emirates

St Paulivs.Frankfurt

sportsmole.co.uk, 9 January 2025, 23:15
St Pauli will hope to carry their positive end to 2024 into 2025 and pull away from the Bundesliga's relegation zone when they host struggling Eintracht Frankfurt at Millerntor-Stadion on Saturday.

The home team beat Stuttgart 1-0 on December 21 in their final game before the winter break but are fifth last in 14th place, while their opponents are third with 27 points after 15 matchweeks and succumbed to a 3-1 defeat against Mainz 05 last time out on December 21.

Match preview

Though Stuttgart created five big chances, Kiezkicker should be praised for matching that figure during their clash, and the fact they beat last season's Bundesliga runners-up should not be underestimated.

Head coach Alexander Blessin admitted that his side had to position their defensive line deeper than they would have liked against Stuttgart, but he was still delighted with the performance, saying: "We were really aggressive in the right areas and had some good turnovers. The goal was a huge relief.

"You can't keep Stuttgart away from your goal for the entire 90 minutes, that's clear, and we defended a little deeper, which means they'll always create chances. The way we defended and threw ourselves in the way of every ball was simply magnificent."

St Pauli's record in recent weeks has been mixed given they have won three and lost four of their last seven matches in the league, though two of those losses came against giants Bayern Munich and champions Bayer Leverkusen.

Blessin's side have been among the best defensive outfits in the Bundesliga, with the club's five clean sheets only bettered by RB Leipzig and Bayern.

The hosts have only won once in their seven top-flight fixtures at home this campaign, and alarmingly scored just one goal in that period.

Opponents Eintracht Frankfurt will be concerned that they failed to overcome Mainz given the victors were reduced to 10 men in the 21st minute when they were only winning 1-0.

Boss Dino Toppmoller's side had looked like mounting a genuine title challenge earlier this term, but they have fallen nine points behind leaders Bayern.

Toppmoller aired his frustration in the aftermath of the defeat against Mainz, telling reporters: "The result feels strange. We had a great opening period, great energy on the pitch and could've led 2-0 after 15 minutes. Suddenly we're 2-0 down, though.

"We tried everything, kept pushing, brought on fresh legs, changed things around and had some gilt-edged chances. Overall we did a lot of things really well. We're conceding goals too easily - the third goal was also avoidable."

The Eagles' form is concerning given they have lost four and drawn one of their past five fixtures in all competitions, conceding 13 goals while finding the back of the net on six occasions.

Eintracht Frankfurt have also been beaten in their last three away games by a cumulative score of 8-3, and they have kept just one clean sheet in their 16 most recent matches on the road in the Bundesliga.

St Pauli Bundesliga form:

L

L

W

L

L

W

Eintracht Frankfurt Bundesliga form:

W

W

W

D

L

L

Eintracht Frankfurt form (all competitions):

W

L

D

L

L

L

Team News

St Pauli's extensive injury list is set to clear up by the end of January, but they could still be without forward Elias Saad, centre-back Karol Mets and midfielder Robert Wagner for a few more days.

Jackson Irvine and Carlo Boukhalfa have regularly featured in midfield and are likely to do so again on Saturday, though Connor Metcalfe will not make the matchday squad.

Striker Simon Zoller has also been ruled out, so expect Johannes Eggestein to start up front alongside forwards Oladapo Afolayan and Morgan Guilavogui.

Goalkeepers Sascha Burchert, Soren Ahlers and Ben Alexander Voll, as well as wing-back Lars Ritzka, will not play on the weekend.

Nikola Vasilj may start between the posts, while wing-backs Philipp Treu and Manolis Saliakas could be stationed either side of a back three.

As for the visitors, they come into the clash with concerns only about centre-back Aurele Amenda, though he is scheduled to return in February.

Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch and Arthur Theate are likely to start in defence, while Tuta, Ellyes Skhiri and Hugo Larsson may feature in a double pivot.

St Pauli possible starting lineup:

Vasilj; Wahl, Smith, Nemeth; Saliakas, Irvine, Boukhalfa, Treu; Afolayan, Eggestein, Guilavogui

Eintracht Frankfurt possible starting lineup:

Trapp; Kristensen, Koch, Theate; Knauff, Skhiri, Tuta, Larsson, Brown; Ekitike, Marmoush

We say: St Pauli 0-2 Eintracht Frankfurt

Despite the visitors' struggles prior to the winter break, it is difficult to look past the fact St Pauli are unlikely to show their best level due to their numerous injury absentees.

Written by

Lewis Nolan

Previews by email
9 January 2025
talksport.com
Ferguson says Everton player 'had a pop' for not playing Ashley Young's son
Darren Ferguson has defended his decision not to play Ashley Young's son against Everton.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Al Orubahvs.Al-Hilal
Fresh off the back of a quarter-final exit from the King's Cup, Al-Hilal return to action in the Professional League when they visit the Al Jouf University Sports Stadium to face Al Orubah on Saturday.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Heidenheimvs.Union Berlin
Heidenheim will hope that the winter break can help them kickstart their season and escape the relegation zone, starting with a win on Saturday at Voith Arena in the Bundesliga against Union Berlin.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Sporting Lisbonvs.Winner SF2
The 2024-25 Taca da Liga crown will be on the line in the heated Lisbon derby as Sporting Lisbon and Benfica go head to head in the final at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa on Saturday.
9 January 2025
talksport.com
Jude Bellingham joins exclusive club with David Beckham during Real Madrid win
Jude Bellingham joined an elite list of players with his latest Real Madrid goal.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Kayserisporvs.Samsunspor
Kayserispor will continue their quest to climb out of the bottom four when they host high-flying Samsunspor in round 19 of the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Hataysporvs.Caykur Rizespor
Caykur Rizespor will look to deepen Hatayspor's struggles when they visit Mersin Arena for a Turkish Super Lig round 19 clash on Saturday.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Shrewsburyvs.Huddersfield
Relegation-threatened Shrewsbury Town are set to host high-flying Huddersfield Town at The Croud Meadow as part of Saturday's League One action.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Besiktasvs.Bodrumspor
Besiktas will look to end their slump with a win over Bodrumspor in their first-ever meeting, as the two sides clash in round 19 of the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Stevenagevs.Burton Albion
League One basement side Burton Albion will travel to the Lamex Stadium for Saturday's League One encounter against Stevenage.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Mainzvs.VfL Bochum
With the December break now in the rearview mirror, Bundesliga action is set to resume this weekend with Mainz 05 taking on VfL Bochum at the Mewa Arena on Saturday afternoon.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Northamptonvs.Barnsley
On Saturday, Northampton Town are set to host an in-form, promotion-chasing Barnsley at Sixfields Stadium in League One.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Le Havrevs.Lens
Seeking their first victory since November, Le Havre will aim to close the gap between themselves and relegation when they host Lens on Sunday at Stade Oceane.
9 January 2025
talksport.com
Everton fan leaves talkSPORT hosts stunned with radical next manager choice
Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent were left stunned when one Everton fan made a left-field suggestion for Sean Dyche's replacement.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Toulousevs.Strasbourg
A pair of undefeated sides in 2025 aim to close the gap for a spot in Europe next season as Toulouse welcome Strasbourg to Stadium de Toulouse on Sunday on matchday 17 of the Ligue 1 campaign.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool face competition from Tottenham for Eredivisie star amid Mohamed Salah uncertainty?
Liverpool are reportedly set to fight Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Feyenoord attacker Anis Hadj Moussa in 2025.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea 'preparing to receive new bid' for wantaway midfielder from Serie A club
Chelsea are reportedly prepared to receive a fresh bid from Torino for midfielder Cesare Casadei.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Bristol Cityvs.Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers will put their Premier League survival bid to one side when they travel to Ashton Gate to face Championship side Bristol City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday lunchtime.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man City transfer news: Citizens 'agree personal terms' with Omar Marmoush: When will they make first bid?
Manchester City have reportedly agreed personal terms with Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Omar Marmoush.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Ajaxvs.RKC Waalwijk
The Eredivisie is set to resume this weekend, and on Saturday, we will see Ajax face off against a struggling RKC Waalwijk at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Sunderlandvs.Stoke
Stoke City travel to the North East for Saturday's all-Championship FA Cup tie against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
9 January 2025
talksport.com
David Moyes the favourite for Everton job with Gareth Southgate among contenders
David Moyes is set to hold talks with Everton on Friday over a return as their manager, talkSPORT understands.
9 January 2025
talksport.com
Chelsea given January transfer masterplan as £52million man told he has to go
Chelsea have been given a January masterplan if they are to regain form for the second half of the season.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Birminghamvs.Lincoln
Looking to continue their fight on three fronts as 2025 progresses, Birmingham City will welcome fellow third-tier outfit Lincoln City to St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park for a third-round tie in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Torinovs.Juventus
Aiming to continue their long dominance of the Turin derby, Italian giants Juventus will visit city rivals Torino on Saturday evening.
9 January 2025
talksport.com
Everton fan breaks down in tears over Sean Dyche exit in talkSPORT rant
Sean Dyche's sacking left an Everton fan 'shaking' as he made an emotional plea to the club's owners live on talkSPORT.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Blackpoolvs.Cambridge
As part of this weekend's League One action, Blackpool are set to host relegation-threatened Cambridge United at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Salford City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to make changes to his starting lineup for Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Salford City at the Etihad Stadium.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man Cityvs.Salford City
Two teams less than five miles apart but separated by 64 places in the English football pyramid meet at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, as Manchester City play host to Salford City in the third round of the FA Cup.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer news and rumours: Milan Skriniar to Aston Villa, Edson Alvarez to Monaco, three-way battle for Igor Jesus
Aston Villa have reportedly been handed the opportunity to sign Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Milan Skriniar this January in order to cover for the injured Pau Torres.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Amad Diallo's fresh Man United contract: How long is it? What has Ivorian said regarding his future?
Manchester United have announced that key forward Amad Diallo has signed a new long-term contract with the 20-time English champions, ending the recent speculation surrounding his future.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Man United attacker's loan spell cut short: Will 21-year-old be an option for Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim?
Joe Hugill's loan spell at Wigan Athletic has been terminated, with the forward heading back to parent club Manchester United.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Mansfieldvs.Wigan
Wigan Athletic will head to the One Call Stadium for Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against fellow League One side Mansfield Town.
9 January 2025
talksport.com
Forest boosted by more good news as three star players close in on new deals
Nottingham Forest plan to trigger a one-year contract extension in defender Ola Aina's contract, talkSPORT understands.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
PSVvs.AZ
The final curtain on Saturday in the Eredivisie brings us a blockbuster matchup, with PSV Eindhoven set to take on AZ Alkmaar at Philips Stadion.
9 January 2025
sportsmole.co.uk
Prestonvs.Charlton
Preston North End welcome League One side Charlton Athletic to Deepdale in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Show more

Top News

3 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in securing Harvey Elliott's signature, with the Liverpool attacker having struggled for playing time. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The Kingdom Arena is set to host a six-pointer in the battle for the AFC Champions League Elite spots on Friday, when Al-Hilal welcome Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool and Arsenal have both been credited with an interest in Wolfsburg striker Mohamed El Amine Amoura, with both keen to strengthen in attack. 2 April 2025 talksport.com David Moyes is stunned that Liverpool's winner against Everton was allowed to stand, insisting it should have been ruled out for offside. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United are reportedly braced for competition from Crystal Palace and a number of other sides for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. 2 April 2025 talksport.com James Tarkowski appeared to say sorry to Alexis Mac Allister for his shocking tackle on the Liverpool star. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Bayern Munich have the chance to move within 13 points of being crowned Bundesliga champions should they beat hosts Augsburg at WWK Arena on Friday. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Barcelona have set up a mouthwatering Copa del Rey final against bitter rivals Real Madrid courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday night. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool won 1-0 against Everton on Wednesday night at Anfield in the Premier League, winning for the 100th time in the Merseyside Derby. 2 April 2025 talksport.com James Tarkowski somehow avoided a red card over his tackle on Alexis Mac Allister - despite the Premier League acknowledging it as 'reckless'. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Southampton's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at St Mary's on Wednesday evening means they could still end the season with the lowest points tally in Premier League history. 2 April 2025 talksport.com Alexander Isak has become the first Newcastle player in 23 years to score at least ten Premier League goals both home and away. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Alexander Isak became the first player in Newcastle United's history to score 20+ goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons when he registered in his team's 2-1 success over Brentford at St James' Park on Wednesday night. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Jack Grealish ended a 16-month goalscoring drought in the Premier League as Manchester City eased past Leicester City with a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night. 2 April 2025 talksport.com Jose Mourinho grabbed his rival manager's nose in bizarre scenes as an Istanbul derby descended into chaos on Wednesday night. 2 April 2025 talksport.com Aston Villa could and perhaps should have had a chance to score from the spot. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea lock horns with London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Thursday night. 2 April 2025 talksport.com Leicester have broken the Premier League record for conceding the first goal on 25 occasions out of their opening 30 matches. 2 April 2025 talksport.com Trent Alexander-Arnold might want to fire up Duolingo sooner rather than later. 2 April 2025 talksport.com Liverpool and Everton will be out for more than just bragging rights in the second Merseyside derby of the season tonight. 2 April 2025 talksport.com The Premier League is back after a mini break, and talkSPORT is here to keep you right across all of the latest news. 2 April 2025 talksport.com The Premier League is back after a mini break, and talkSPORT is here to keep you right across all of the latest news. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Pep Guardiola has made a total of six changes to his Manchester City starting lineup for tonight's Premier League clash with Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa have announced their first XIs for Wednesday's Premier League game at the Amex Stadium. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Kayserispor will aim to strengthen their Turkish Super Lig survival hopes when they face bottom side Adana Demirspor on Friday. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Everton and West Ham United are reportedly both interested in signing Victor Lindelof on a free transfer this summer. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Real Sociedad attacker Takefusa Kubo during this summer's transfer window. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing striker Emanuel Emegha from sister club Strasbourg. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal's new sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly held talks with Nico Williams' agent, as the Gunners look to secure a deal for the Athletic Bilbao attacker during this summer's transfer window. 2 April 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly placed £100m price tags on both Joao Pedro and Carlos Baleba amid interest from Liverpool and Chelsea.