St. Pauli vs Borussia Dortmund preview: Schwarzgelben aim for late European push
| Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund is on the ball against Union Berlin. | Christof Koepsel/Getty Images |
St. Pauli
Pauli held out against Mainz until the 67th minute without facing a single big chance until Jae-Sung Lee's opener for die Nullfünfer in an eventual 2-0 win.
Saturday's hosts also created two big chances in the clash, with the failure to convert these meaning that Alexander Blessin's men were unable to score for a third consecutive match.
St. Pauli boast a six-point advantage over Heidenheim, who currently occupy the relegation playoff position. However, Pauli are winless in four heading into this weekend, having been beaten in their last three.
Team News
As has been the case for large periods of the campaign, St. Paulis injury list is extensive. With defenders Karol Mets and Manolis Saliakas, as well as goalkeeper Sascha Burchert all being ruled out.
The same can be said for Robert Wagner, James Sands, Morgan Guilavogui and Simon Zoller.
Borussia Dortmund
Die Schwarzgelben were rampant last time out against Union Berlin, securing a fantastic 6-0 win on home soil.
The victory was the first for boss Niko Kovac since his Dortmund arrival. He watched on as his side scored as many goals against Union as they had been able to manage in any of their last five outings.
Despite losing nine of their 23 league games thus far, BVB sit just seven points away from the top four, and the chances of resurrecting their season and gaining a Champions League spot for next season will be tested this weekend when they travel up to Hamburg.
Team News
Only missing defender Julian Ryerson and midfielders Felix Nmecha and Julian Brandt, Borussia Dortmund's injury list is considerably smaller when compared to Saturday's hosts.
Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Groß featured in the middle of the park last time out, and they are likely to be paired together once again.
Serhou Guirassy may be flanked by Karim Adeyemi and Jamie Gittens, while Carney Chukwuemeka could start as an attacking midfielder after his excellent performance last time out.
