St. Pauli vs. Heidenheim preview: Team news and predicted lineups
St. Pauli
Newly-promoted FC St. Pauli take on one of last season's promoted sides and success stories, Heidenheim, in the first game of their 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign on Sunday evening.
St. Pauli have had to say goodbye to head coach Uwe Hürzeler, who left for Brighton over the summer, with Alexander Blessin appointed as his successor.
The Hamburg side were in trouble in their first competitive game under Blessin in the DFB-Pokal against Regionalliga side Hallescher, but eventually prevailed 3-2 after Adam Dwigala forced the game into extra time with an injury-time goal.
Team News
St Pauli have lost key player Marcel Hartel, who has moved to the United States. They've brought in the likes of Fin Stevens and Morgan Guilavogui.
On the injury front, Ahlers (knee) and Burchert (muscle) are out, while Zoller (thigh) is a doubt.
Heidenheim
Much like St. Pauli, Heidenheim have had a busy summer following their sensational eight-place finish in the 2023/24 season.
They've lost their top three offensive players, with Jan-Niklas Beste, Tim Kleindienst and Eren Dinkci all moving on.
That leaves some big shoes to fill, but Heidenheim will be hoping new signings Leo Scienza, Paul Wanner, Maximilian Breunig, Mathias Honsak, Sirlord Conteh and Mikkel Kaufmann can help.
Things have gone well for the club so far, with a comfortable 4-0 win over Regionalliga side Vilingen in the DFB-Pokal followed by a 2-1 win over Häcken in Sweden in a Europa Conference League qualifier.
Team News
.Heidenheim will have to manage without Keller (knee) and Niehues (knee).
Click here to see our predicted St. Pauli vs. Heidenheim lineups.