Fourth-tier Hallescher face a daunting test on Friday as they host Bundesliga newcomers St Pauli in the first round of the DFB-Pokal. With the visitors looking to build confidence ahead of their return to the top flight, the underdogs will need a monumental effort to cause an upset at the Leuna Chemie Stadion.
Hallescher's Road to the Cup
Hallescher have earned their place in the Pokal for the second consecutive season after winning the Saxony-Anhalt Cup for the second year running. Their victory over VfB Germania Halberstadt in last season's final, which included a dramatic three-goal haul in extra time, highlights their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
However, reaching the second round of the DFB-Pokal for the first time since 2016-17 will be a significant hurdle. Despite a promising start to the league season, with three consecutive draws followed by a resounding 4-0 win over Rot-Weiss Erfurt, Hallescher face a formidable opponent in St Pauli.
St Pauli's Rise and Rebuilding
After a successful campaign in the 2. Bundesliga, St Pauli are back in the top flight for the first time in 13 years. The team, unfortunately, lost their promotion-winning manager Fabian Hurzeler to Brighton & Hove Albion, but have appointed Alexander Blessin as his successor. Blessin, who impressed at Union Saint-Gilloise last season, will be hoping to build upon the team's pre-season form, which saw them secure four victories and one defeat in five friendlies.
While St Pauli will be keen to progress to the second round for the fourth consecutive season, they will be cautious of Hallescher's potential upset.
Team News and Lineups
Hallescher could be without Jonas Nietfeld, Burim Halili, Lucas Halangk, Jordi Wegmann, and Anthony Roczen due to injuries. Manager Mark Zimmermann is likely to field an unchanged lineup following their recent league victory.
St Pauli, meanwhile, will be without Manolis Saliakas, who is recovering from a calf injury, but the game will mark the potential competitive debut of Fin Stevens, Robert Wagner, and Morgan Guilavogui. Johannes Eggestein, who has scored in the last two pre-season friendlies, will be looking to carry that form into the new season.
Predicted Lineup:
Hallescher: Müller; Landgraf, Lohmannsroben, Berger; Hauptmann, Kulke, Stierlin, Richardson, Weber; Akono, Friedrich
St Pauli: Vasilj; Wahl, Mets, Smith; Stevens, Irvine, Wagner, Treu; Metcalfe, Guilavogui, Eggestein
The Verdict
St Pauli enter Friday's clash with momentum on their side, having enjoyed a strong pre-season. Their attacking options will be difficult for Hallescher to handle, and a relatively comfortable victory for the visitors seems likely.
We predict a 0-2 victory for St Pauli.
For further data analysis of potential results and scorelines, click here.