The upcoming round of the German league will start with a tense fixture. Borussia Mönchengladbach are only one point above the relegation play-off zone, where St. Pauli are currently sitting, with three other teams between them in the standings.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
In the last nine rounds, Borussia Mönchengladbach have managed only one win — it came two weekends ago in a home match against Union Berlin (1:0). Away to Bayern München (1:4), they were never really close to taking any points and made life harder for themselves: Райц was sent off in the 55th minute after giving away a penalty, which made the score 0:3. The team were at least encouraged by a goal from the young talent Мойя, his first career goal, but the midfielder came on in place of the injured Hugo Bolin.
St. Pauli
St. Pauli’s much-discussed low block has started to work. Since 7 February, they have conceded more than one goal in only one of five matches and have taken three wins in that period. Matches against the attack-minded TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (1:0) and Eintracht Frankfurt (0:0) passed for Alexander Blessin’s team without any goals conceded at all. However, away from home the visitors offer little in attack themselves — only 12.33 xG in 13 matches, the worst figure in the Bundesliga.
Borussia Mönchengladbach vs St. Pauli Prediction
In addition to the aforementioned Райц, the hosts will also be without four injured players on Friday. We are not even counting their main star Tim Kleindienst, who has been unavailable for the whole season. Given the opponents’ selection problems, St. Pauli can simply defend deep and be satisfied with a draw, which would clearly suit them.