Bundesliga 2025-2026: Stuttgart-St. Pauli, the likely lineups
The MHP Arena will be the scene, Friday night at 8:30 p.m., of the opening challenge of the fourth day of the Bundesliga, between hosts Stuttgart and one of the surprises of this early season, St. Pauli. The Swabians have been the protagonists of an up-and-down start, culminating in the loss at home to Freiburg (3-1), while the guests are looking to give continuity to their successes with Hamburg in the derby (2-0) and Augsburg (2-1).
Leading the VFB on the bench is Sebastian Hoeness, who is expected to deploy the 4-2-3-1 again on this occasion: in attack space for Demirovic, supported by Tomas, El Khannou and Leweling. Still unavailable is Deniz Undav, who after the’exploit of the 2023-2024 season, with 18 total goals, has often been the victim of physical problems.
On the other side dl St. Pauli will rely, barring surprises, on the 3-4-1-2 of Alexander Blessin, a technician seen a couple of years ago at Genoa. Without Ceesay, the visiting team’s coach will play Hountondji and Pereira Lage in attack, with Sinani free to joust on the three-quarter line. The keys to the two flanks will be given to Pyrka and Oppie.
Probable lineups
STOCCARDA (4-2-3-1): Nubel; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Karazor, Stiller; Tomas, El Khannou, Leweling; Demirovic. All. Hoeness.
ST. PAULI (3-4-1-2): Vasilj; Wahl, Smith, Dzwigala; Pyrka, Sands, Fujita, Oppie; Sinani; Hountondji, Pereira Lage. All. Blessin.
