In this FC St. Pauli vs Hoffenheim preview, we see a fascinating DFB Pokal second-round tie as Bundesliga strugglers FC St. Pauli host fellow top-flight side Hoffenheim at the iconic Millerntor-Stadion on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. This all-Bundesliga cup clash offers a welcome respite from league play for two teams in dire need of a positive result. St. Pauli, in their first season back in the top flight, are finding life difficult. They are 14th in the table and come into this match on a dreadful five-game losing streak, culminating in a 2-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.
Hoffenheim, in contrast, is trending in the opposite direction. After a slow start, they have found their form, winning their last two league games, including a 3-1 victory over Heidenheim and, crucially, a 3-0 away win against St. Pauli at this very stadium just over a week ago. This match preview is shaped entirely by that recent result and the polar opposite form of the two clubs. St. Pauli are desperate to stop the rot, while Hoffenheim will be brimming with confidence, making this a prime match for a Betano wager.
FC St. Pauli Vs Hoffenheim match preview/Betting preview
Team Recent Form
FC St. Pauli: L-L-L-L-W
Hoffenheim: W-W-L-D-L
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Key Stats
- Recent-History: These two teams played just nine days ago (Oct 19) at this same stadium, with Hoffenheim cruising to a 3-0 victory.7
- Form Slump: FC St. Pauli are in a complete tailspin, having lost their last five consecutive matches in all competitions.
- Goals, Goals, Goals: Hoffenheim’s matches have been high-scoring affairs. 8 of their last 10 games have featured Over 2.5 goals.
Correct Score Prediction: 1-2
My prediction is a 1-2 away win for Hoffenheim. It is incredibly difficult to ignore the 3-0 drubbing Hoffenheim handed out at this exact venue just over a week ago. St. Pauli’s confidence is shattered, and their defense, which hasn’t kept a clean sheet since August, is leaking goals. They have been breached 12 times in their last 5 games.10
Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are flying. They are coming off two straight wins, scoring 6 goals in the process. While St. Pauli will be desperate for revenge in front of their raucous home crowd and should be motivated enough to score, their defensive frailties are too significant to fix in nine days. Hoffenheim’s attack, led by the in-form Andrej Kramarić and Fisnik Asllani, is in red-hot form and should have too much quality.11 This 1-2 scoreline is an attractive option on Betano.
FC St. Pauli Vs Hoffenheim H2H
- In the last 3 head-to-head meetings, St. Pauli have won 2 and Hoffenheim have won 1.12
- That single Hoffenheim win was the most recent clash, a dominant 3-0 victory on October 19, 2025.13
- Prior to that, St. Pauli had won two straight against Hoffenheim in the 2024-25 season (1-0 and 0-2).
- Their last 6 meetings have been split with 2 wins for St. Pauli, 2 for Hoffenheim, and 2 draws.
Pre game odds
- FC St. Pauli (Home): 2.61
- Draw: 3.42
- Hoffenheim (Away): 2.52
(Note: Odds are tight, reflecting a cup tie, but Hoffenheim are slight favorites)
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Team News FC St. Pauli
St. Pauli’s struggles are compounded by a lengthy injury list. Key midfielder and captain Jackson Irvine (muscle) is a major doubt for this clash. The defense is also stretched thin, with David Nemeth (tendon) and Andreas Hountondji (knee) both ruled out. Up front, young English forward Ricky-Jade Jones is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder.
Team News Hoffenheim
Hoffenheim are also dealing with several high-profile absences. Star Czech forward Adam Hložek is out long-term with a broken ankle. In defense, Koki Machida (cruciate ligament) and new signing Valentin Gendrey (ankle) are both unavailable. This puts pressure on the backline of Coufal, Hranac, and Bernardo to stay fit and organized.
Predicted line up for both teams
- FC St. Pauli: Vasilj; Dzwigala, Smith, Ritzka; Pyrka, Sands, Fujita, Oppie; Sinani; Kaars, Pereira Lage
- Hoffenheim: Baumann; Coufal, Hranac, Hajdari, Bernardo; Burger, Avdullahu, Kramarić; Lemperle, Asllani, Toure
FC St. Pauli Vs Hoffenheim betting tips
This DFB Pokal match is all about form and psychology. Here are the top tips, all available on Betano:
- Tip 1 – Result: Hoffenheim Win.
- Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
- Tip 3 – Both team to score: Yes.
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Disclaimer: All betting tips and predictions are based on expert analysis and statistical data. However, outcomes in sports are unpredictable. Please gamble responsibly.
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