Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Seeking an immediate Bundesliga response on Friday night, Stuttgart will welcome St. Pauli to the MHPArena.
Stuttgart
Starting with the hosts, while Stuttgart might have signed off the 2024/25 campaign with three consecutive Bundesliga victories, Sebastian Hoeneb’s side have largely come crashing back down to earth this time around. Desperate to book an immediate European return this year, Die Roten have the feel of a squad who are still searching for some crucial stability. Last seen marking their return from September’s international break with a remarkable late collapse as they fell to a 3-1 defeat away at Freiburg, Stuttgart have lost two of their first three Bundesliga showdowns. Getting proceedings underway with a 2-1 loss against Union Berlin on August 23rd, Friday’s hosts have also largely flattered to deceive at the MHPArena. In fact, continuing on from last season, Stuttgart have lost four of their previous six Bundesliga appearances in front of their own supporters.
Stuttgart Team News
Dealing with what has become a stacked injury list, Stuttgart will once again be without the likes of Ameen Al Dakhil, Justin Diehl, Luca Jaquez and former Brighton striker Deniz Under on Friday night. Suffering a serious late collapse away at Freiburg last weekend, Hoeneb could be tempted to make a string of changes here.
Completing a permanent switch from domestic rivals Wolfsburg over the summer, Portuguese attacker Tiago Tomas could be handed a full recall. Arriving from Championship outfit Leicester on Deadline Day, Bilal El Khannouss should keep his spot from the start.
St. Pauli
As for the visitors, while St. Pauli might have spent large spells of last season looking over their shoulder at the drop zone, Alexander Blessin’s men have made a string of improvements since opening up the 2025/26 campaign. Getting proceedings underway with an action-packed 3-3 stalemate at home against German giants Borussia Dortmund on August 23rd, the Neighbourhood Kickers have registered seven points from their first three Bundesliga appearances. Remarkably getting Friday’s showdown underway sat in the Champions League spots, St. Pauli could be smelling the chance to spring an almighty upset at the MHPArena. Marking their return with a 2-1 victory against Augsburg, Blessin’s camp have recorded consecutive Bundesliga wins for the first time since January.
St. Pauli Team News
Despite making a shock summer switch from League One outfit Peterborough, Ricky-Jade Jones remains on the sidelines with a shoulder issue. Likewise, Estonian international Karol Mets is still dealing with a long-term knee injury and will not feature here.
Bagging the winner against Augsburg last weekend and recording two goals in his first three Bundesliga appearances, Danel Sinani will play a leading role in the final third. One-time Rangers starlet James Sands will partner Joel Fujita in the middle of the park.
Stuttgart vs St. Pauli Key Factors to Consider
- When Stuttgart last welcomed St. Pauli to the MHPArena back in December, Friday’s guests collected a shock 1-0 victory.
- In fact, St. Pauli have registered seven points from their first three Bundesliga appearances.
- The Neighbourhood Kickers have registered consecutive Bundesliga wins for the first time since back in January.
- Continuing on from last season, Stuttgart have lost four of their previous six Bundesliga showdowns in front of their own supporters.
- Four of Stuttgart’s last five Bundesliga appearances have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
While St. Pauli might travel to the MHPArena on Friday night pencilled in as a major underdog, the Neighbourhood Kickers could be smelling the chance to spring an upset and extend on their recent flurry. Getting the new campaign underway with a dramatic 3-3 stalemate against German giants Borussia Dortmund, Blessin’s men have registered seven points from their first three Bundesliga appearances. Likewise, landing consecutive top-flight wins for the first time since January, St. Pauli are capable of asking some serious questions.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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