St. Pauli vs Hamburger SV: Team News, Analysis and Predicted Lineups

German Bundesliga  -  St. Pauli VS Hamburger SV
Match Time:24-01-2026 03:30 Saturday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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St. Pauli welcome city rivals Hamburger SV as the Hamburg derby returns to the Bundesliga spotlight, with both sides desperate for momentum in a tense relegation-zone showdown. The historic rivalry adds extra edge to a fixture that could prove decisive in shaping the survival battle during the second half of the campaign.

Team Analysis:
St. Pauli enter the derby under heavy pressure, sitting bottom of the Bundesliga table and searching for consistency after a string of disappointing results. Despite their struggles, Alexander Blessin’s side have shown flashes of attacking intent and will take encouragement from their competitive display against Borussia Dortmund last time out. With home advantage at Millerntor-Stadion, St. Pauli know this derby represents a crucial opportunity to reignite belief in their survival bid.

Hamburger SV arrive marginally better positioned in the table but are far from comfortable themselves. Winless in their last four league matches, HSV have struggled to convert possession and chances into goals, particularly away from home. However, their defensive improvement in recent weeks offers some optimism as they look to steady the ship and avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation scrap.

Player Situation:
St. Pauli remain without key midfield leader Jackson Irvine and defender David Nemeth due to injury, forcing Blessin to rely heavily on Eric Smith and James Sands to control the tempo. In attack, Martijn Kaars and Joel Chima Fujita are expected to carry the creative burden as the hosts look to exploit set-pieces and transitions.

Hamburger SV also face selection challenges, with fitness concerns limiting options in attack. Nonetheless, experienced figures such as Jean-Luc Dompé and Jonas Meffert are expected to play central roles, while the visitors will look to Damion Downs to provide a cutting edge in the final third. Familiar faces on both sides add further spice to the derby narrative.

Result Prediction:
With both teams struggling for form and confidence, this Hamburg derby is likely to be fiercely contested but short on clear-cut chances. St. Pauli’s urgency and home support should be matched by Hamburg’s desire to avoid defeat, setting the stage for a tense, open encounter. A draw appears the most likely outcome, with both sides doing enough to get on the scoresheet but not enough to claim bragging rights.

Predicted Result: St. Pauli 2-2 Hamburger SV.