In December, Stuttgart managed to bolster their morale with a remarkable run of four consecutive victories, marking their best form since the start of the campaign. St. Pauli, visiting the German vice-champions, are likely to face a tough challenge, as the team continue their march towards the Bundesliga's top three.
Stuttgart's triumphant run began with a comprehensive victory over SSV Jahn Regensburg (3:0) in the DFB-Pokal, with the team notching 14 goals in their last four fixtures. The away match against Heidenheim (3:1) saw Stuttgart achieve a standout 3.46 xG—the highest of the last round. Over the season, they have amassed 29.41 expected goals, with only Eintracht Frankfurt (29.46) and Bayern Munich (36.45) boasting more. Summer signing Nick Woltemade has proven a valuable asset for the team, delivering a 4+2 tally across three December matches.
Despite a victory over Holstein Kiel (3:1), St. Pauli have struggled against more formidable opponents. In matches against Bayer 04 Leverkusen (1:2) and SV Werder Bremen (0:2), they conceded 1.72 xGA, highlighting a fragile defence that doesn’t require numerous chances to breach. The Bundesliga newcomers also rank as the tournament’s lowest xG performers, with 14.99 and just 11 goals scored.
In their last seven home matches, Stuttgart have scored at least two goals on six occasions. St. Pauli risk slipping back towards the relegation zone, as the current Stuttgart side appear to be out of their league.
