St Pauli begin the DFB Pokal campaign with a trip to Regionalliga Nord side Eintracht Norderstedt on Saturday, aiming to avoid any early-round slip-ups.
Alexander Blessin’s team are favourite against their lower-league opponent, with the team brimming with confidence following their performance in their preseason games.
However, cup football is no stranger to surprises and Elard Ostermann’s side will be eager to make the most of their underdog status.
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Norderstedt vs St Pauli prediction: Comfortable win for Alexander’s men
Key statistics
- Three of St Pauli’s last four games have produced more than 2.5 goals.
- The Neighbourhood Kickers are unbeaten in their last four games.
- Alexander’s side have scored two or more goals in four of their last five games.
Correct score prediction: Norderstedt 0-3 St Pauli
St Pauli enter this DFB-Pokal tie in excellent shape, winning four of their last five friendlies and keeping three clean sheets in the process. They have shown attacking firepower with convincing wins over Karlsruher SC and Silkeborg, as well as solid defensive displays in victories over Verona and Nice.
Their only slight blemish was a draw away to Coventry, but overall, the team looks well-balanced and sharp at both ends of the pitch. Given the Buccaneers’ strong run of form, a 0-3 scoreline looks like a realistic prediction.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Bookmakers favour St Pauli
- Home: 12/1 (13.0) – 7.69%
- Draw: 13/2 (7.50) – 13.33%
- Away: 1/9 (1.11) – 90.00%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
St Pauli are viewed by bookmakers as heavy favourites, with odds suggesting around a 90% chance of victory, thanks to their impressive form and the two-division gap separating them from Ostermann’s side.
The likelihood of a draw sits slightly above 13%, while a Norderstedt win is considered highly improbable at under 8%, showing the clear difference in quality between the teams.
Head-to-head: St Pauli to get first ever win
Norderstedt and St Pauli have no previous head-to-head meetings, but their recent form provides a clear indication of what to expect ahead of this German Cup clash.
Ostermann’s team have been inconsistent in competitive games, losing two of their last three Regionalliga matches and conceding five goals in that run, although they did record a 2-0 away victory at Phonix Lubeck and impressively beat Harksheide 8-0 in pre-season.
On the other hand, Alexander’s team come into this tie in excellent shape, unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins and one draw, scoring 15 goals and conceding just four. Their current form suggests that the Neighbourhood Kickers are strong favourites, despite the lack of prior meetings and they are expected to dominate the first encounter between the two sides.
After reviewing our key Norderstedt vs St Pauli predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Norderstedt preview: Full strength for clash
Norderstedt head into the DFB Pokal meeting with St Pauli boasting a fully fit squad, giving them the rare advantage of selecting from their strongest possible line-up as they look to cause an upset against their opposition.
Predicted lineup: Huxsohl (GK), Bork, Bojadgian, Behounek, Grau, Brown, Koch, Williams, Muller, Luneburg & Saad
Germany Regionalliga North 09/08/25
W
Phonix Lubeck
0
Eintracht Norderstedt
2
Germany Regionalliga North 03/08/25
L
VfB Oldenburg
3
Eintracht Norderstedt
1
Germany Regionalliga North 26/07/25
L
Altona 93
2
Eintracht Norderstedt
1
Europe Friendlies 05/07/25
D
Holstein Kiel II
0
Eintracht Norderstedt
0
Club Friendly List 01/07/25
W
TuRa Harksheide
0
Eintracht Norderstedt
8
St Pauli preview: Double blow ahead of tie
Alexander will be without captain Jackson Irvine, who is sidelined with a broken ankle and not expected to return until late August 2025, while defender Karol Mets is also ruled out until the same period as he recovers from an undisclosed injury.
Both absences are significant, with Irvine’s leadership in midfield and Mets’ defensive presence set to be missed in the upcoming German Cup clash.
Predicted lineup: Vasilj (GK), Nemeth, Wahl, Smith, Oppie, Fujita, Sands, Saliakas, Lage, Afolayan & Hountondji
Germany Bundesliga I 11/05/25
D
Eintracht Frankfurt
2
St Pauli
2
Germany Bundesliga I 03/05/25
L
VfB Stuttgart
1
St Pauli
0
Germany Bundesliga I 27/04/25
D
Werder Bremen
0
St Pauli
0
Germany Bundesliga I 20/04/25
D
Bayer Leverkusen
1
St Pauli
1
Germany Bundesliga I 12/04/25
W
Holstein Kiel
1
St Pauli
2
Player to watch – Andreas Hountondji
Andreas Hountondji has been important in St. Pauli’s preseason game, having shown good form in front of goal, scoring three times in five matches. The young forward has demonstrated sharp movement, quick reactions and a strong eye for goal, making him a constant danger to opposing defences.
His ability to get into the right positions and take his chances with confidence suggests he is ready for the new season. With his current scoring form and growing influence in attack, Hountondji will be looking to carry this momentum into the season and make a big impact.