Borussia Dortmund vs. FC St.Pauli preview: Hosts targeting another clean sheet victory | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund's first home fixture of the new year ended in a 3-0 over Werder Bremen on Tuesday. Despite some feint boos at the break, the hosts pushed home the advantage for their biggest league win since mid-August.

Despite the tame first-half showing, BVB will be happy with how they coped whilst rotating their side. Fabio Silva and Carney Chukwuemeka brought energy, while Serhou Guirassy netted a first goal since late October.

Once again, Niko Kovač could change things up this Saturday as FC St.Pauli come to town. The likes of Emre Can, Jobe Bellingham and Daniel Svensson could breathe new life into the side for what is their third game in 8 days.

Their visitors from the Hanseatic city have been rather toothless in attack. As a result, the Westphalians ought to favour themselves as their defence boasting 9 clean sheets meets a side with just 6 away goals scored. 

Team news:

As for player availability, Kovač has close to an entire squad to choose from except from Aaron Anselmino (hamstring). Meanwhile, Rami Bensebaini should be a bench option after his African Cup of Nations dream ended.

Kobel could be protected by a back three of Can, Anton and Schlotterbeck. In the middle third, Couto and Svensson could start with Bellingham and Nmecha. Finally, Beier and Chukwuemeka ought to remain alongside Fábio Silva.

Predicted lineup: Kobel - Can, Anton, Schlotterbeck - Couto, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson - Beier, Chukwuemeka - Silva

FC St. Pauli

As for FC St. Pauli, their 2026 curtain raiser was curtailed by snow, however their midweek game resulted in a 2-1 loss to VfL Wolfsburg. The statistics backed up the result come full-time with Blessin's side second best in all but duels. 

Aside from that narrow win over Heidenheim before the break, the Kiezkickers' form has been worrying. Unless the likes of Martijn Kaars can rediscover his shooting boots, goals will continue to be hard to come by. 

To make matters worse, St. Pauli make the trip to the Ruhrpott to face Borussia Dortmund. Although far from deadly, their struggling attack will be tasked with penetrating a BVB defence that's kept a league high 9 clean sheets. 

If Blessin'# squad can take any confidence into this game, it'll come from their 3-3 draw with Dortmund on Matchday 1. However, a lot has changed since then as St. Pauli's swiftly fizzled out - an energy shot is desperately required.

Team news:

David Nemeth (muscular problems), Andreas Hountondji (fractured ankle) and Danel Sinani (calf) are ruled out. Meanwhile, the Australian duo of Connor Metcalfe (knock) and Jackson Irvine (foot) are also major doubts. 

Vasilj should goaltend behind Dzwigala, Wahl and Mets in defence. Pyrka, Sands, Fujita, Smith and Oppie ought to start in the midfield five, while up top Martijn Kaars will likely combine with Mathias Pereira-Lage. 

Predicted lineup: Vasilj - Dzwigala, Wahl, Mets - Pyrka, Sands, Fujita, Smith, Oppie - Kaars, Lage