FC St. Pauli face a decisive relegation showdown against VfL Wolfsburg this Saturday. Victory at the Millerntor is the club's only path to avoid direct relegation from the Bundesliga, having been pushed to the bottom of the table following defeat to RB Leipzig and Heidenheim's win.

With 26 points and the worst goal difference among the three teams level on points, their fate is now in their own hands. Head coach Alexander Blessin's team enters this final with a run of just one win from their last five league games, a form that is under pressure. Blessin sees positive signs from the 1-2 loss to Leipzig for the final. “More was certainly possible, that's a shame,” said Blessin. “But with the energy performance we showed, we are looking positively towards the final.” Required for this is a clear improvement in chance conversion; this season, the club has averaged 107 minutes to score a goal, a rate that must be overcome on Saturday.

Irvine Demands Belief

Captain Jackson Irvine is appealing to his team's spirit and mental strength. “I will tell the lads every day this week: We can win this fucking game. Believe that we can win it. We will do it,” said the Australian. This mindset is needed because a draw is only enough for St. Pauli if direct rival 1. FC Heidenheim simultaneously loses to Mainz. A Heidenheim win could even relegate both St. Pauli and Wolfsburg. The exact scenarios for the final matchday can be tracked in the standings.

The current season in the second division shows the club possesses fighting qualities. After six matchdays, they sit eighth with seven points, a record of one win, three draws and one defeat reflecting a resilient side. Detailed analysis of team performance can also be found in our stats.

Opponents Wolfsburg arrive with their own motivation. Coach Dieter Hecking expects a completely different game to the recent loss against Bayern. Sporting director Pirmin Schwegler stressed the team had earned the chance for this decider in recent weeks. Wolfsburg have built a solid position with two wins and two draws from their last four matches. The clash at the Millerntor-Stadion kicks off on Saturday at 15:30 and will be broadcast on Sky. The losing club will then face a two-legged relegation play-off against a third-division side, starting on 21 May.

First reported at ndr.de