How many more mistakes will Bayer Leverkusen make this season? The time to act is now – there are five rounds left and the win over St Pauli is mandatory.
Bayer Leverkusen have no one to blame but themselves for losing the title this season. The team didn't take advantage of Bayern Munich's recent mistakes. The Bavarians lost to Bochum, and Leverkusen lost to Werder Bremen in the same round. Then last week, Bayern ended level with Dortmund, but Leverkusen couldn't even score a goal to Union Berlin.
The six-point gap to the top could have easily been reduced to two points by now, but Xabi Alonso's side crashed out completely in March. The title race continues, of course, but Die Werkself now have just five games to displace Bayern Munich.
On the other end of the spectrum, St Pauli produced several stunning performances in recent weeks and now sit a whole seven points above the drop zone. But their remaining schedule will push them to their limits, unless they also find a way to stop Bayer Leverkusen.
How the bookies view it: Leverkusen to extend their streak
We find considerable value in the odds, given that bookmakers usually give Leverkusen extremely low odds. They are the betting favourites, of course, but the bookies didn't risk giving them less. You can pick St Pauli at 17/4, the draw at 14/5, or Bayer Leverkusen at 13/20.
Recent head to head: All about Die Werkself since 2007
Almost 15 years had past since St Pauli's last season in the Bundesliga, so there isn't much to consider when it comes to the H2Hs. Bayer Leverkusen won the reverse fixture 2-1. Before that, they last met in the 2010/11 season, when Die Werkself won both times too. St Pauli's last triumph over Leverkusen in the Bundesliga dates back to 1996, while their last H2H win overall was in the DFB Pokal in 2007.
Players to watch: Can Wirtz help Schick regain his confidence?
A lot of Xabi's players have been underperforming lately and Patrik Schick is the brightest example. The striker has not been the same since the international break where he scored three goals for his country. Since then, he hasn't scored a goal for Leverkusen, which is unusual when he already has 23 goals for the team this season in all competitions. With Florian Wirtz back in action, Schick should have an increased number of opportunities to score. And he genuinely needs to step up his game, as he lost his form at the worst possible time.
Probable line-ups
St Pauli: Vasilj, Nemeth, Ritzka, Wahl, Saliakas, Metcalfe, Smith, Treu, Sinani, Saad, Weisshaupt
Bayer Leverkusen: Hradecky, Tah, Andrich, Hincapie, Frimpong, Palacios, Xhaka, Grimaldo, Buendia, Schick, Wirtz
Anything else catch the eye?
St Pauli produced several exciting performances in a row but Bayer Leverkusen are a different breed. The Neighbourhood Kickers' only loss in the past month came to Bayern Munich and do not get fooled by the final result – it was a one-sided game.
Leverkusen are the best away team in the league – the only side that remains unbeaten on the road in the Bundesliga. And their streak extends over two years. Their last defeat away was in April 2023, and getting a positive result at St Pauli will get them just one shy of the all-time record in the league.
But that's probably not the most important thought in the minds of Xabi's players. They simply can't afford to lose. Unless Bayern Munich lose on Saturday, even a draw will forfeit Leverkusen's chances to defend their title.
This German Bundesliga match between St Pauli and Bayer Leverkusen will be played on and kick off at 18:30. Check below for our tipsters best St Pauli vs Bayer Leverkusen prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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