2. Bundesliga preview: SV Darmstadt 98 vs. FC St. Pauli
| Photo by Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images |
SV Darmstadt 98 will be looking to bounce back from a damaging defeat when they host FC St. Pauli on Friday, with Florian Kohfeldt’s side under pressure to deliver a response in front of their home supporters.
Darmstadt suffered a heavy 4-0 loss away to Karlsruher SC last time out, while St. Pauli arrive following a 1-1 draw with Hannover 96. The visitors will be aiming to secure their first away victory of the 2026/27 campaign when the sides meet on matchday nine.
Match preview
Darmstadt head into Friday’s fixture needing to put their disappointing performance in Karlsruhe behind them. Having shown signs of improvement in the weeks leading up to the international break, the 4-0 defeat was a significant setback for Kohfeldt’s side, who struggled to match their opponents both defensively and in possession.
The result leaves the Lilies looking for greater consistency after a difficult opening to the season. Although their recent performances have been mixed, there have been encouraging signs at the Böllenfalltor, where they have won their last two home matches. Darmstadt will hope to draw confidence from that record as they attempt to get their campaign back on track.
Kohfeldt has made it clear that his players must respond on the pitch, suggesting that changes to the starting lineup are likely after the Karlsruhe defeat. The Darmstadt coach acknowledged that his team had lacked the necessary defensive discipline, seriousness in possession and work rate, while stressing that performances must have consequences.
The hosts will also need to find a way to contain a St. Pauli side that Kohfeldt regards as a dangerous opponent. He highlighted the visitors’ pace in attack, their two quick forwards and the quality of Eric Smith in building play from the back. Darmstadt will therefore need to balance their desire to attack with greater defensive organisation.
St. Pauli, meanwhile, arrive in Darmstadt looking to turn their unbeaten away record into something more productive. Marcel Rapp’s side have drawn each of their four away league matches so far this season, including last weekend’s 1-1 encounter with Hannover 96.
The Hamburg outfit have shown encouraging signs of resilience, but their inability to collect all three points on the road remains an area to address. Friday’s encounter offers an opportunity to make a statement against a Darmstadt side that has struggled for consistency.
Rapp has warned against underestimating the hosts despite their recent difficulties, insisting that his team are capable of winning at the Böllenfalltor. St. Pauli will look to exploit their pace in the final third while using Smith’s composure in possession to dictate the tempo of the contest.
With Darmstadt desperate to respond and St. Pauli seeking their first away win, the match presents an intriguing test for both sides. The hosts have home advantage, but they will need a significant improvement on their display in Karlsruhe to prevent the visitors from taking control.
Team news
Darmstadt will be without Luca Marseiler, Fabian Nürnberger and Merveille Papela, who remain sidelined. Carlo Sickinger and Yosuke Furukawa will also miss Friday’s fixture, with both players not expected to be ready in time.
Kohfeldt has indicated that changes to his starting XI are likely following the heavy defeat to Karlsruhe, meaning several players could be given an opportunity to impress.
Matthias Pereira Lage and Gisli Thórdarson are set to miss out for visitors St. Pauli.
Predicted lineups
SV Darmstadt 98 (4-2-3-1): Schuhen; Mikelbrencis, Pfeiffer, Vukotić, Petretta; Klefisch, Akiyama; Weißhaupt, Richter, Duijvestijn; Ho-jae Lee
FC St. Pauli (3-4-1-2): Voll; Nemeth, Smith, Ritzka; Pyrka, Rasmussen, Fujita, Oppie; Metcalfe; Niang, Ceesay
