Match Information
Match Overview
This Regular Season - 23 fixture represents a crucial mid-season encounter between two teams fighting at opposite ends of the Bundesliga table. FC St. Pauli, sitting 17th with just 17 points from 22 matches, desperately need points to climb out of the relegation zone, while Werder Bremen in 16th position (19 points) are only marginally better placed in what has become a pivotal battle for top-flight survival.
The injury situation significantly impacts both squads' preparation for this encounter. FC St. Pauli will be without three key players: striker A. Hountondji (ankle injury), versatile attacker R. Jones, and defender D. Nemeth (groin injury). These absences force manager Alexander Blessin to dig deeper into his squad depth at a time when every point matters. Werder Bremen face even more severe personnel problems, missing six players including striker V. Boniface (knee injury), defender K. Coulibaly (thigh injury), experienced defender A. Pieper (knee injury), midfielder W. Adeh (knee injury), versatile player M. Weiser (knee injury), and defender M. Wöber (muscle injury). Such extensive injury lists could prove decisive in a match where squad depth becomes paramount.
Recent form patterns reveal contrasting trajectories that could influence this outcome. St. Pauli showed signs of life with a notable 2-1 home victory over VfB Stuttgart and a spirited performance in their DFB Pokal quarter-final against Bayer Leverkusen, though they ultimately lost 3-0. However, their away form remains deeply concerning with just one win in 12 away matches this season. Bremen's recent struggles have been even more pronounced, suffering heavy defeats including a 4-0 loss to Stuttgart and a 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, suggesting defensive vulnerabilities that St. Pauli might exploit at home.
The Millerntor-Stadion factor could prove decisive in this relegation battle, as home advantage often becomes magnified when survival stakes are highest.
Predicted Lineups
FC St. Pauli
N. Vasilj; A. Dzwigala, T. Ando, K. Mets; M. Saliakas, J. Sands, J. Irvine, A. Pyrka; D. Sinani, M. Rasmussen; Abdoulie Ceesay
Werder Bremen
M. Backhaus; N. Stark, M. Friedl, J. Malatini; J. Njinmah, J. Stage, S. Lynen, F. Agu; R. Schmid; C. Puertas, M. Grüll
Team Form Analysis
FC St. Pauli
FC St. Pauli Form Analysis
St. Pauli's recent form reflects the struggles of a team battling relegation, though there have been encouraging signs amid the difficulties. Their standout performance came in the 2-1 home victory over VfB Stuttgart, demonstrating their capability to compete against higher-quality opposition when playing at the Millerntor-Stadion. This result was particularly significant as it broke a concerning pattern of defeats and showed the fighting spirit essential for survival battles.
However, their overall attacking output remains problematic, with just 20 goals scored in 22 league matches highlighting their struggles to convert opportunities. The team has managed only four wins all season, with their goal difference of -19 underlining both defensive frailties and attacking limitations. Away from home, their record is particularly concerning with just one victory in 12 matches, scoring only nine goals on their travels.
Defensively, St. Pauli have conceded 39 goals, averaging nearly two per game, which represents a significant concern against any opponent. Their recent matches have shown both resilience and vulnerability - while they've occasionally troubled strong teams, they've also suffered heavy defeats including the 4-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen. The team's ability to raise their performance level at home will be crucial in this relegation battle, as their survival hopes may well depend on maximizing points at the Millerntor-Stadion.
Werder Bremen
Werder Bremen Form Analysis
Werder Bremen's recent form paints a picture of a team struggling to find consistency and defensive stability. Their 22 goals conceded in recent matches, combined with a concerning pattern of heavy defeats, suggests significant structural problems that manager Daniel Thioune must address. The 4-0 defeat to Stuttgart and 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich highlight their vulnerability against teams with pace and attacking quality.
Offensively, Bremen have managed 22 goals from 22 matches, which while modest, represents a more balanced output than some of their relegation rivals. However, their ability to create clear-cut chances appears inconsistent, particularly away from home where they've secured just one victory in 11 matches this season. Their away record of 10 goals scored versus 21 conceded demonstrates the scale of their traveling troubles.
The team's defensive record of 42 goals conceded represents one of the league's worst defensive performances, averaging nearly two goals against per match. Recent results show a worrying trend of capitulating when under pressure, suggesting mental fragility that could prove costly in high-stakes relegation encounters. Their draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach showed some resilience, but the subsequent defeats have undermined any confidence gained. Bremen's extensive injury list compounds their problems, forcing tactical adjustments that may further disrupt their defensive organization and overall team cohesion in crucial matches.
Head-to-Head
FC St. Pauli
Werder Bremen
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-04 | FC St. Pauli | 0 - 0 | Werder Bremen |
| 2025-10-04 | Werder Bremen | 1 - 0 | FC St. Pauli |
| 2025-04-27 | Werder Bremen | 0 - 0 | FC St. Pauli |
| 2024-12-14 | FC St. Pauli | 0 - 2 | Werder Bremen |
| 2023-01-04 | Werder Bremen | None - None | FC St. Pauli |
| 2022-04-09 | FC St. Pauli | 1 - 1 | Werder Bremen |
| 2021-10-30 | Werder Bremen | 1 - 1 | FC St. Pauli |
| 2020-08-29 | Werder Bremen | 1 - 0 | FC St. Pauli |
| 2011-04-23 | FC St. Pauli | 1 - 3 | Werder Bremen |
| 2010-11-28 | Werder Bremen | 3 - 0 | FC St. Pauli |
Memorable Matches
The head-to-head history between these clubs includes several notable encounters that highlight the competitive nature of this fixture. The most recent Bundesliga meeting in October 2025 saw Werder Bremen secure a narrow 1-0 victory at home, continuing their recent dominance in this matchup. That result followed a pattern of tight contests, with their previous league encounter ending 0-0, demonstrating how evenly matched these sides can be when both are struggling near the bottom of the table.
Looking back further, their 2022 2. Bundesliga encounters produced entertaining draws, including a 1-1 result at the Millerntor-Stadion that showcased the competitive spirit between these northern German clubs. The December 2024 meeting resulted in a 2-0 away victory for Bremen, highlighting their ability to perform when visiting Hamburg.
Perhaps most significantly, their recent friendly encounter in January 2026 ended goalless, suggesting both teams were using the match to assess tactical options and player fitness. This fixture often produces cagey affairs where defensive solidity takes precedence over attacking flair, particularly given both teams' current league positions and the pressure that accompanies relegation battles.
Venue Factor
The Millerntor-Stadion has historically provided St. Pauli with crucial advantages in their survival battles, though their current home record of three wins from ten matches suggests even this fortress has been breached regularly this season. The intimate atmosphere created by St. Pauli's passionate fanbase can be both inspiring for the home team and intimidating for visitors, particularly in matches with such high stakes.
St. Pauli's home scoring record of 11 goals in ten matches demonstrates their improved attacking output when playing in familiar surroundings, though their 17 goals conceded at home reveals defensive vulnerabilities that persist regardless of venue. The narrow pitch dimensions and compact stadium layout often suit St. Pauli's pressing style and can disrupt visiting teams' rhythm.
For Werder Bremen, their away record this season makes sobering reading - just one victory in 11 away matches with only 10 goals scored highlights their struggles when traveling. Their 21 goals conceded on the road suggests they struggle to maintain defensive discipline away from the Weserstadion. The hostile atmosphere and vocal support that typically greets visiting teams at the Millerntor-Stadion could prove particularly challenging for a Bremen side already lacking confidence. Historical evidence suggests this venue factor could be decisive in such a crucial relegation encounter.
Injury Concerns
FC St. Pauli
Werder Bremen
