Bundesliga 2025-2026: St. Pauli Cologne, the likely lineups

Friday at 8:30 p.m., Hamburg’s Millerntor-Stadion hosts a very delicate salvation clash between St. Pauli and Cologne. At stake are heavy points for staying in the Bundesliga next season, with the two teams separated by five lengths. St. Pauli is not going through a good moment, fresh from the defeat against Bayern Munich, it seeks redemption in front of its fans. On the other hand, Cologne arrives at the appointment motivated by the recent 3-1 victory against Werder Bremen, a result that has restored oxygen to the standings but above all has increased the morale of the group led by Lukas Kwasniok.

The coach of St. Pauli has to deal with several absences, in fact, Sands and Ricky-Jade Jones will be missing, while the presence of Eric Smith in the center of defense remains in strong doubt. Returning from disqualification, however, is Jackson Irvine, who is ready to retake command of the midfield.

Lukas should confirm most of the players who beat Bremen. Up front, eyes will be on Ragnar Ache, the team’s most in-form man, supported by youngster Said El Mala, while defenders Hubers and Kilian will still be missing through injury.

The likely lineup

St. Pauli (3-4-2-1): Vasilj; Wahl, Ando, Mets; Pyrka, Irvine, Rasmussen, Oppie; Sinani, Pereira Lage; Hountondji. All. Blessin.

Cologne (4-4-2): Schwabe; Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Ozcakar, Castro-Montes; Maina, Martel, Thielmann, Kaminski; Ache, El Mala. All. Lukas Kwasniok.