The current Bundesliga 2 promotion odds are very interesting with just eight games to go, as St Pauli lead the way at the top of the table, five points ahead of Holstein Kiel in second. Hamburg and Fortuna Dusseldorf follow in third and fourth respectively, in what is shaping up to be an exciting promotion race.
The top two at the end of the season are automatically promoted to the Bundesliga, while third place plays 16th in Germany's top flight in the relegation play-off, with the winner earning a spot in the Bundesliga next campaign. Check out our Bundesliga relegation odds and tips to see which teams are vulnerable in that regard, as we take a deep dive into the promotion candidates from 2. Bundesliga, analysing how likely each is to reach German football's summit.
Bundesliga 2 promotion odds: Current outrights
St Pauli – 1/3
St Pauli are currently favourites to gain promotion to the Bundesliga, which is unsurprising considering they lead the 2. Bundesliga by five points. They have already produced big scalps against major promotion rivals this season, notably thrashing closest challengers Holstein Kiel 5-1 at home.
St Pauli were a prominent Bundesliga side in the 80s and 90s, but have only competed in the top flight twice this century, with their last appearance in 2010/11. They finished fifth last season, in what was one of a number of recent near misses.
Nonetheless, they have a great chance to return to the Bundesliga next campaign, with an away fixture against another promotion rival Hamburg in early May a potential decider. Given St Pauli's left-wing leanings, and Hamburg as a more politically conservative club, this clash is even more significant.
Holstein Kiel – 9/1
Holstein Kiel are second favourites to get promoted, as they currently sit in second place, five points clear of Hamburg in third. They beat Hamburg 4-2 at home earlier this season, a result that could prove significant given they have to travel there in April.
Holstein Kiel have never competed in the Bundesliga before, and were in the third tier as late as the 2016/17 campaign. However, after seven seasons in the 2. Bundesliga, now could be their time.
Hamburg – 25/1
Hamburg are a more traditional powerhouse in German football, but find themselves stagnating in the second tier. This is their sixth consecutive season in the 2. Bundesliga, after being a mainstay in the German top flight since 1963/64!
They still have to welcome St Pauli and Holstein Kiel to their ground, which they will see as big opportunities to close the gap to the top two. Nonetheless, heartbreak in the relegation play-off last campaign should spur Hamburg on.
Fortuna Dusseldorf – 40/1
Fortuna Dusseldorf are currently seen as outsiders to win promotion to the Bundesliga, as they currently sit just outside the promotion places in fourth, one point behind third-placed Hamburg. Like Hamburg, they have plenty of top-flight experience, having competed in the Bundesliga between 1971-1987, and were only relegated as late as the 2019/20 campaign.
Nonetheless, Dusseldorf are certainly not out of the promotion race, and their recent 2-0 victory at home to Hamburg earlier this month should give them encouragement. They have still got to play Holstein Kiel away from home too, and a win there would close the gap on second place, and give them a chance of automatic promotion instead of settling for a play-off spot.
