Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Bundesliga match.
Bayer Leverkusen expect a high-scoring away trip to Hamburg to face St. Pauli, who finished 14th last season but are showing more stable form now. Even so, being fifth hardly makes the hosts clear favourites.
St. Pauli
On Matchday 4, St. Pauli met Stuttgart (0:2), who were pushing for a home win. In the 43rd minute, the opponents converted their first chance, and seven minutes later they scored a second. It is worth noting that at home this season St. Pauli are unbeaten, with four points from a possible six. The team have also been involved in high-scoring contests, with their matches averaging around five total goals.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
In the previous round, Bayer Leverkusen could not hold on for a win against second-bottom Borussia Mönchengladbach (1:1), and they laboured for their goal until the 70th minute. A European fixture three days earlier clearly took its toll. The visitors now have a full week to prepare. Midfielders Robert Andrich and Exequiel Palacios, sent off for two bookable offences on Matchday 3 against Eintracht Frankfurt (3:1), will be available again.
St. Pauli vs Bayer 04 Leverkusen Prediction
Given Bayer Leverkusen’s current form and fitness levels, St. Pauli will find it extremely difficult to count on a win. The hosts might be able to hang on for a draw, but given their tendency to concede in matches against the visitors, another outcome with the over looks more likely.
