In the heart of Hamburg's vibrant Reeperbahn district, the Millerntor-Stadion is set to roar as FC St. Pauli welcomes Bayer Leverkusen to town for a key Bundesliga showdown. This match on September 27 isn't just another game day—it's a battle between a team chasing early momentum and one looking to shake off a shaky start. With kickoff at 1:30 PM UTC, fans are buzzing about what could be a high-energy afternoon of football.
FC St. Pauli, the "Kiezkicker" as their loyal supporters call them, have burst out of the blocks in the 2025-26 season like a team on a mission. Sitting pretty in fifth place with seven points from four games, they've shown real grit at home, staying unbeaten with a win and a draw at Millerntor. Their attack has been sharp, netting at least two goals in each of their first three matches, and players like Danel Sinani have been lighting it up—fresh off a goal and two assists in their last win over Augsburg.
But last weekend brought a bump in the road. A 2-0 loss to Stuttgart on September 19 exposed some defensive cracks, as the Pirates faced five big chances and couldn't convert their own two. Coach Alexander Blessin will be demanding a quick fix, especially with captain Jackson Irvine still sidelined by a foot injury. Up front, summer signing Martijn Kaars could get his first start, pushing aside Andréas Hountondji to add fresh legs. Predicted lineup: Vasilj in goal; Wahl, Smith, Dzwigala at the back; Saliakas, Sands, Fujita, Oppie in midfield; Sinani pulling strings; and Kaars partnering Pereira Lage up top.
St. Pauli's fans, known for their skull-and-crossbones flags and punk-rock vibe, will make Millerntor a fortress. They've won three of their last six home games against Leverkusen, so history is on their side for an upset.
Leverkusen: New Boss, Big Hopes Amid the Storm
Over in Leverkusen, things feel a bit like a rollercoaster. The defending champions from last season started with fireworks but hit a snag when they sacked Erik ten Hag after just two league games. Enter Kasper Hjulmand, the Danish tactician who's steadied the ship with a win and a draw in his first two outings. Yet, with only five points, they're lurking in 11th—a far cry from their usual perch near the top.
Their latest result, a frustrating 1-1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach on September 21, summed up the mood. They led until stoppage time, only to concede a late equalizer. The good news? Midfielder Robert Andrich is back from suspension, bolstering the engine room. Up front, Patrik Schick and Eliesse Ben Seghir will lead the line, with Alejandro Grimaldo's set-pieces a constant threat. Expected XI: Flekken between the sticks; Quansah, Badé, Tapsoba in defense; Vazquez, Andrich, Aleix Garcia, Grimaldo across the middle; Tillman creating; Ben Seghir and Schick finishing.
Leverkusen's away form has been solid, and their attack remains one of the league's best. But vulnerabilities at the back could be exploited by St. Pauli's quick counters.
Head-to-Head: Draws and Drama
These two sides don't often deliver one-sided affairs. Their last meeting in April ended 1-1, and over the years, it's been tight—Leverkusen has won the previous three before that draw, but St. Pauli loves the home edge. Expect end-to-end action, with Leverkusen's possession game (they held 64% in their last match) clashing against St. Pauli's high press.
What to Watch For
- Set-Piece Battles: Grimaldo's deliveries could unlock St. Pauli's defense, but the hosts have been leaky from corners.
- Midfield Muscle: Andrich's return gives Leverkusen control, but Sands and Fujita will need to disrupt.
- Fan Factor: Millerntor's atmosphere is electric—could it inspire a St. Pauli surprise?
Prediction: A Tight Affair with Goals
Bookies see Leverkusen as favorites at around 2.25 odds to win, with a draw at 3.65 looking tempting given the history. St. Pauli pulls about 3.4 for an upset. Our take? Leverkusen edges it 2-1, but don't bet the house—St. Pauli's home fire could spark a 1-1 stalemate. Either way, this one's got goals written all over it.
Tune in via ESPN+ or your local broadcaster. Who are you backing? Drop your thoughts below—up the Pirates or Werkself forever?
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