On Saturday afternoon, Bayern Munich will play their final game before the November international break, as they travel to St. Pauli. What can we expect from the hosts?
Last season, St. Pauli were promoted to the Bundesliga, the first time they have played at this level since 2011 – after their 69 points from 34 saw them win the 2. Bundesliga title. Fabian Hürzeler did so well to get them up, that Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed him as their replacement for Roberto De Zerbi.
He was replaced by Alexander Blessin, who had been in charge of Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. It has not been a terrible start for him so far, with St. Pauli's eight points from nine games having them in 15th, just above the relegation play-off spot, which you imagine will have been his remit this summer.
In fact, the team in the relegation play off spot, TSG Hoffenheim, were beaten 2-0 by St. Pauli last week. Blessin’s side also picked up a point at home to RB Leipzig, in a game that some said they even deserved to win.
St. Pauli players to watch against Bayern Munich
There are a few danger men in the St. Pauli squad. Followers of British football may be familiar with Jackson Irvine, Nestory Irankunda’s international team mate. The midfielder has provided three assists in the Bundesliga this season, and has played every single minute so far – showing how important he is.
Another player who played plenty of football in the UK, Englishman Oladapo Afolayan, has scored two goals in 532 Bundesliga minutes, and provides pace and trickery that Bayern will have to be aware of if he plays here. The 27-year old opened the scoring in the aforementioned win over Hoffenheim.
St. Pauli are currently averaging 44.7% possession, the 11th highest in the Bundesliga. We can expect them to sit deep here and to try and frustrate Bayern. It took Vincent Kompany’s side 67 minutes to break down a seriously stubborn Benfica defense, and we could see similar woes here if they are not on their game.
In terms of formation, Blessin likes to use a 343 formation, a not too dissimilar set up to that used by Benfica in midweek. The key for Bayern could be to overload the midfield, and overrun their two-man set up in there.