St. Pauli vs Mainz preview: Host's look to secure first home win
St. Pauli
Saturday evening's hosts managed to find the back of the net three times last out down south in Freiburg to secure their first three points since achieving promotion to the top flight.
However, things could have been so different had Freiburg converted from the spot in the 41st minute with the game still in the balance at 1-0.
Manager Alexander Blessin outlined following the fixture that he carries hopes his side can remain as competitive as they were at Europa-Park Stadion as the season progresses.
Last weekend's result now means that St. Paulo have collected four points from their last two outings, placing them three points clear of 17th-placed Bochum.
St. Pauli have kept two clean sheets in their last two Bundesliga showings after conceding six across their first three. However, they face a tough test this weekend in an attempt to secure their first home win of the campaign.
Team News
St. Pauli will be without Carlo Boukhalfa until late October, whilst goalkeepers Sascha Burchert and Soren Ahlers are out until at least the middle of the month.
Simon Zoller and Maurides will also likely miss out, with both set to be out until the end of October.
Mainz
When it comes to the visitors, Mainz enter this weekend having suffered a loss last time out against Heidenheim, with centre-back Andreas Hanche-Olsen receiving a red card after just 28 minutes.
Manager Bo Henriksen will carry the belief that Die Nullfünfer can avoid defeat on Saturday after winning two and drawing four of their last six away fixtures in the Bundesliga.
However, there may be concerns regarding the offensive side of his side, with Mainz ranking 13th out of 18 in the Bundesliga in terms of chances created, as well as 14th for expected goals produced.
Team News
Bo Henriksen will be unable to select Andres Hanche-Olsen after receiving his red card last time out against Heidenheim. Nikolas Veratschnig could also be available.
Dominik Kohr is an option to replace the suspended defender, with it being a possibility that he could be partnered by Moritz Jenz and Anthony Caci.