PREVIEW: FC St. Pauli vs Bayern Munich: Prediction, Head to Head, Possible Lineups, and Team News | German Bundesliga, November 9, 2024.
As the Bundesliga action returns on November 9, 2024, all eyes will be on the Millerntor-Stadion, where league leaders Bayern Munich travel to face FC St. Pauli. This clash brings together a top team in the form of Bayern Munich, who are running high on confidence, against FC St. Pauli, a team currently struggling to maintain consistency and momentum in the league.
Match Details:
- Competition: Bundesliga
- Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Time: 3:30 PM GMT
- Venue: Millerntor-Stadion, Hamburg, Germany
Bayern Munich head into this fixture as clear favorites, standing at the top of the Bundesliga table and putting up impressive numbers both in defense and attack. Conversely, FC St. Pauli, placed 15th, is looking to defy the odds and turn around their recent struggles. Let’s dive into a detailed preview, analyze both teams’ form, check the latest team news, and explore potential lineups and key players who could make an impact.
FC St. Pauli: Form and Recent Performance
FC St. Pauli approaches this game with mixed emotions, having secured just one win in their last five outings. Currently positioned near the bottom of the table, St. Pauli has struggled for consistency. Their recent performances include losses to formidable teams such as Mainz, Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, while their only win came in an away match against Hoffenheim, a result that brings a glimmer of hope as they prepare to host the Bundesliga’s top side.
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With a home crowd behind them, St. Pauli’s squad will need to bring their best, particularly in defense, to prevent Bayern’s prolific goal-scorers from running rampant. The underdog status could work in their favor, as they have little to lose in a match where Bayern is heavily favored.
Bayern Munich: Form and Recent Performance
Bayern Munich comes into this fixture on a tremendous run of form. Winning four out of their last five games, they have shown an impressive level of consistency in both domestic and European competitions. Bayern’s only recent blemish came in a 4-1 loss against Barcelona in the Champions League, but even that setback has not deterred them in the Bundesliga, where they continue to dominate.
With 16 goals scored in their last four Bundesliga games, Bayern’s attack, led by English striker Harry Kane, has been ruthless. Their defensive line, bolstered by world-class talents like Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies, has also been resilient, often leaving their opponents without much opportunity to score. The Bavarians will look to extend their winning streak and maintain their lead at the top of the table.
Team News
FC St. Pauli Team News
Head coach Alexander Blessin has a few concerns leading into this encounter. Wing-back Philipp Treu, who left the field injured during St. Pauli’s last match, remains doubtful for this fixture. In addition to Treu, several other players are set to miss the match due to injuries, including Soren Ahlers, Sascha Burchert, Elias Saad, Ben Voll, Simon Zoller, and Connor Metcalfe.
Despite these setbacks, Blessin will aim to field a solid lineup, relying heavily on his available players to resist Bayern’s offensive onslaught and capitalize on any counter-attacking opportunities.
Bayern Munich Team News
Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has had the luxury of fielding a largely injury-free squad recently, which has contributed to their consistent performances. However, Bayern will be missing three key players for this fixture: Sacha Boey, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Josip Stanisic, who remain sidelined with injuries.
Kompany is likely to stick with a similar lineup to their recent matches, featuring star players like Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer, and Jamal Musiala. The Bavarians will look to use their attacking prowess to keep FC St. Pauli’s defense under pressure throughout the game.
Predicted Lineups
Football Club St. Pauli (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: Nikola Vasilj
- Defenders: Hauke Wahl, Eric Smith, Karol Mets
- Midfielders: Manolis Saliakis, Jackson Irvine (C), Carlo Boukhalfa, Lars Ritzka
- Forwards: Oladapo Afolayan, Morgan Guilavogui, Johannes Eggestein
St. Pauli will likely field a defensively minded formation, aiming to keep their backline compact and counter Bayern’s aggressive attack. Irvine, as the captain and midfield anchor, will play a crucial role in both defensive duties and launching forward plays when opportunities arise.
Bayern Munich Football Club (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (C)
- Defenders: Raphael Guerreiro, Dayot Upamecano, Min-jae Kim, Alphonso Davies
- Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Joao Palhinha
- Forwards: Michael Olise, Harry Kane, Kingsley Coman
Kompany is expected to employ a strong lineup with Neuer in goal, supported by a solid backline and a creative midfield. Kane, in his typical center-forward role, will be key in breaking down St. Pauli’s defense, while Olise and Coman add pace and creativity from the wings.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, these two teams have met four times in recent years. Bayern has dominated, winning three out of the four matches, with one unexpected victory going to St. Pauli. The most recent encounters reveal Bayern’s superiority, especially with an 8-1 rout in 2011, a result that will certainly be on the minds of fans heading into this fixture.
Past Meetings:
- May 7, 2011 – St. Pauli 1-8 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
- December 11, 2010 – Bayern Munich 3-0 St. Pauli (Bundesliga)
- February 6, 2002 – St. Pauli 2-0 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga)
- August 18, 2001 – Bayern Munich 2-0 St. Pauli (Bundesliga)
Key Players to Watch
Elias Saad (FC St. Pauli)
Elias Saad has emerged as a standout performer for St. Pauli this season, contributing with four goal involvements in six matches. As one of their most consistent attackers, Saad has been instrumental in building offensive plays, and his goal-scoring abilities will be critical if St. Pauli is to challenge Bayern. Known for his agility and clinical finishing, Saad could pose a threat on the counter-attack, especially if Bayern’s defense is caught off guard.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane has seamlessly integrated into Bayern’s system, quickly becoming the team’s top goal contributor with 16 goal involvements. With 11 goals and five assists so far, Kane has showcased his world-class abilities, creating numerous problems for Bundesliga defenses. His presence up front not only provides Bayern with a lethal goal-scoring option but also opens up space for his teammates to exploit. Expect Kane to be central to Bayern’s strategy as they aim to dominate this fixture.
Match Prediction
Considering Bayern’s form and overall strength, they are the clear favorites in this encounter. St. Pauli’s recent struggles, coupled with Bayern’s consistency and goal-scoring prowess, make it likely that Bayern will secure a comfortable win. However, St. Pauli’s home advantage and underdog status may inspire them to deliver a spirited performance and put up a tough fight.
Soccer Baba Predicted Score: FC St. Pauli 1-3 Bayern Munich
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Where to Watch FC St. Pauli vs Bayern Munich Live
- USA: ESPN+
- UK: Sky Sports
- India: SonyLIV
- Germany: Sky Deutschland, DAZN
- Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Ivory Coast: Local listings vary
This exciting Bundesliga clash promises an intriguing mix of top-tier quality and underdog grit. As FC St. Pauli hosts Bayern, fans can expect an intense match filled with skill, passion, and the unyielding spirit of German football.