RB Leipzig take on the visitors St. Pauli in the round 1/16-finals of German DFB Pokal. The match will be played on Tuesday, October 29th at
This season, RB Leipzig boasts the strongest defense in the Bundesliga, having conceded just 3 goals in 8 matches—a remarkable feat in Germany’s high-scoring league. Their comeback victory over Freiburg (3-1) last round extended their unbeaten run to 8 games, with 6 wins and 2 draws. Leipzig now sits second in the standings with 20 points, level with Bayern, who hold first on goal difference. It's worth noting that Leipzig are the reigning DFB-Pokal champions, having claimed the cup in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. Given the fierce competition for the Bundesliga title, Marco Rose’s squad prioritizes the cup as an attainable trophy compared to the league.
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St. Pauli played out a 0-0 draw against Wolfsburg last Saturday, effectively shutting down their opponents, and previously gave Dortmund trouble despite a 1-2 loss. Though their point tally is modest, St. Pauli has been a formidable opponent for Bundesliga teams this season. RB Leipzig knows this firsthand, having drawn 0-0 with St. Pauli earlier in the season in a game where Leipzig’s performance outmatched their result. However, St. Pauli has struggled on the road, with only one win and three losses in four away games. In the first round of the DFB-Pokal, St. Pauli narrowly overcame Hallescher 3-2, with two crucial goals in stoppage and extra time. Head coach Alexander Blessin has hinted at squad rotation for the match against Leipzig, though limited depth could hinder this plan. Injuries may keep Völl, Saad, and Metcalfe sidelined.
A home win seems likely for Leipzig, given their solid defense, which has proven nearly impenetrable this season. Only Bayer Leverkusen and Freiburg have managed to score against them, while St. Pauli failed to do so in their recent encounter. Leipzig prioritizes the cup and has claimed this title twice in recent years, making an early exit improbable. St. Pauli, on the other hand, has scored the fewest goals in the German Championship—only 5 in 8 matches. Fatigue from frequent matches could also impact St. Pauli’s effectiveness, especially if key players are rested. My prediction is a clean-sheet victory for the hosts. Leipzig’s captain, Orban, is expected to anchor the defense, while Rose’s team should find a way to score on home ground.
Prediction for the match: RB Leipzig to win with a clean sheet – yes.
