St. Pauli vs. Bochum preview: Hosts look to secure second successive top-flight campaign

St. Pauli enter Saturday’s Bundesliga final day needing a point against relegated Bochum to secure their survival in the top flight.

St. Pauli

A point earned from a 2-2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt saw St. Pauli take a huge step towards securing their Bundesliga future. 

The hosts head into the final day three points clear of Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation play-off spot. 

Sitting level on points with Hoffenheim, a defeat would not be disastrous for Pauli; however, a positive end to the campaign would see die Kiezkicker secure a second successive Bundesliga season for the first time since 1996.

Alexander Blessin’s side have failed to score in 10 of their last 16 matches on home soil, however, survival and the subsequent summer months will give the club ample time to reset and add firepower heading into next term. 

Team News

Abdoulie Ceesay (ankle) will undergo a late fitness test for the hosts, while Sascha Burchert (groin), Jackson Irvine (foot), Karol Mets (knee), Elias Saad (thigh), James Sands (ankle), and Simon Zoller (muscle) are all expected to miss out.

Despite no St Pauli player hitting double digits in goals this season, Morgan Guilavogui (six) and Oladapo Afolayan (three) will look to make key contributions in matchweek 34.

Bochum

Visitors Bochum were relegated from the Bundesliga last weekend following a 4-1 defeat against a Mainz side winless in eight before the outing.

However, Dieter Hecking’s side’s inability to capitalise against Heidenheim in a huge relegation battle left Bochum with a lot to do heading into the final two matchdays.

The away side’s dismal away record this season has seen Hecking’s men secure just one win (on the pitch) with a shock 3-2 away win against champions Bayern München. Their only other win away from home came off the pitch as Bochum were awarded three points due to goalkeeper Patrick Drewes being struck with a lighter against Union Berlin.

Needing penalties in the relegation play-off last season, Bochum eventually succumbed to what has been a dismal few years at the Ruhrstadion.

Team News

Matus Bero (calf) remains a doubt for Bochum, who are already missing Philipp Hofmann (broken rib), Tom Krauß (back), Ivan Ordets (back), and Mohammed Tolba (groin).