Borussia Mönchengladbach vs St. Pauli – News and Probable Lineups

Entering this fixture with relegation threats hanging over them, Borussia Monchengladbach faces St Pauli on Friday at Borussia Park, making a win essential.

While sitting 12th in the league, Gladbach’s points tally of 25 is precariously close to St Pauli’s, who are in 16th place and currently in the league’s relegation playoff spot, with nine matchdays left.

Match overview

On March 6, Gladbach suffered a significant 4-1 defeat against Bayern Munich, where they were clearly outperformed. The dismissal of Rocco Reitz in the 55th minute, with Bayern already leading 2-0, further complicated the situation.

Scoring the first goal will be crucial, given that the team that has struck first has won in 18 of Gladbach’s 25 league matches, with them having conceded first in three of their last four outings in the Bundesliga.

Heading into Friday’s match, Gladbach has not managed to win in eight of their last nine contests, with five losses, including three in their preceding four matches.

Head coach Eugen Polanski will be worried as his team has let in nine goals in their last four games, more than double the five goals they conceded in the previous four.

The hosts have scored one or fewer goals in six out of their last seven encounters at Borussia Park, winning just twice and losing three times in that span.

St Pauli is currently level on points with the two teams above them, but holds the third-worst goal difference in the league with a minus 17.

Having gained 10 points from their last 15 available in the league, St Pauli’s form is only eclipsed by RB Leipzig (11) and champions Bayern (15).

St Pauli aims to secure a third consecutive clean sheet in the Bundesliga, although they have scored only three times in their last four matches.

Under the management of Alexander Blessin, the side has faced Gladbach twice this season, winning 2-1 in the DFB-Pokal back in December 2025 but suffering a 4-0 home defeat in November.

Kiezkicker managed to overcome third-placed Hoffenheim 1-0 in their latest away fixture on February 28, but they had experienced defeats in their previous five away games.

Team News

With midfielder Reitz serving a suspension, Kevin Stoger may need to form a midfield partnership with Yannik Engelhardt in a dual pivot role.

The hosts are still grappling with significant injuries in their attacking ranks, as Robin Hack, Tim Kleindienst, and Nathan N’Goumou are all unavailable.

Haris Tabakovic will likely start in a central attacking role, but if he wishes to break his goal drought of three matches, he will require assistance from Franck Honorat and Wael Mohya.

St Pauli’s squad has only two confirmed absentees: striker Ricky-Jade Jones (ankle) and centre-back Karol Mets (calf). There are also concerns regarding midfielder James Sands’ availability.

Connor Metcalfe and Jackson Irvine may be tasked with providing protection for a back three comprising Hauke Wahl, Eric Smith, and Tomoya Ando.

Danel Sinani could begin as the striker on Friday, with Joel Chima Fujita and Mathias Pereira Lage expected to take attacking positions just behind him.

Borussia Monchengladbach probable starting XI:

Nicholas; Sander, Elvedy, Dix; Scally, Engelhardt, Stoger, Ullrich; Honors, Mohya; Tobacco

St Pauli probable starting XI:

Vasily; Choice, Smith, Ando; Pyrka, Metcalfe, Irvine, Ritzka; Fujita, location; Sinani