FC St. Pauli will aim for their first away win of the season when they travel to face SV Darmstadt 98 on Friday. Head coach Marcel Rapp expressed confidence ahead of the match at the Böllenfalltor on 23 October (18:30), stating his side is capable of taking all three points. "We see ourselves as capable of winning there," said Rapp. He also issued a warning, noting, "There is absolutely no reason to underestimate this team."
The Lilies, managed by Florian Kohfeldt, are deep in a relegation battle but have won their last two home games. Rapp anticipates an emotionally charged and physically demanding contest. His team will need to show physicality, creativity, and unity to get a result. He has no concerns about their ability to create chances in possession, with the plan to play flat behind the defence to threaten in behind.
Looking to flip the away record
St. Pauli have drawn all their away matches in the 2. Bundesliga so far this campaign. Sitting seventh with 11 points, the Millerntor side are unbeaten in their last five outings. Their most recent match was a 1-1 draw at Hannover, where Abdoulie Ceesay equalised in first-half stoppage time. Ceesay is the team's current top scorer with four goals. Facing the bottom-placed team now presents a clear opportunity to turn their solid run into a full three points and climb the standings.
The contrast is stark. While St. Pauli have conceded only nine goals, Darmstadt have let in 18 in eight games, the league's worst defensive record. However, the Hessians are a dangerous proposition at home, having recently beaten Bielefeld and Cottbus. For St. Pauli, this is the first of three away games in quick succession that could shape their season. New signing Branimir Hrgota is expected to start on the bench. The trip to Darmstadt is the next fixture on the schedule.
First reported at Welt
