Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the German Bundesliga match.
In the current campaign, two distinctive German clubs, Union Berlin and St. Pauli, will aim to avoid a relegation battle. If Union Berlin earned a point against Mainz (1:1) in their opening leg, Bundesliga newcomers St. Pauli couldn't withstand Heidenheim (0:2).
Union Berlin
Under the coaching staff of Bo Svensson, Union Berlin are adopting a pragmatic style of play, evidenced in their cup match against Greifswald (1:0). The recent Champions League participants narrowly defeated their Regional League opponents, scoring just one goal from 15 shots. Against Mainz, the Berlin side salvaged a draw thanks to the duo of László Bénes and Tim Skarke, who came off the bench two minutes before the equaliser. Union Berlin created only 1.02 xG in that match.
St. Pauli
In the DFB Cup, St. Pauli also struggled against an underdog: Halle from the same Regional League were only defeated in a penalty shootout (3:2). In their home game of the first round against Heidenheim, the Hamburg side generated a respectable 1.59 xG but managed only three shots on target. It appears the club is not ready for a new phase of development after the departure of their previous coaching staff, and new coach Alexander Blessin is still acclimatising to the squad.
Union Berlin - St. Pauli Prediction
Both teams have had a less-than-ideal start to the season. St. Pauli and Union Berlin will kick off the round with what is likely to be an uneventful match, but the hosts have a better chance of success.
