FC Magdeburg - FC St. Pauli

Newly-promoted Magdeburg to start with a home win

TEAM NEWS

Newly-promoted Magdeburg have undergone a massive overhaul. They parted with several players who were not good enough to play in the 2. Bundesliga and made several interesting moves. They have signed quality players such as Aleksandar Ignjovski, Jasmin Fejzic and Mergim Berisha. It remains to be seen how they will perform at first, but they have a lot of potential. In Manfred Kwadwo and Joel Hanna, Magdeburg have two players not at their disposal for the opener due to injury.

St. Pauli are at full strength with the exception of Jan-Philipp Kalla and Marc Hornschuh, who are both injured. The club saw several players leaving (most notably Lasse Sobiech, Maurice Litka and Kyooung-rok Choi) whilst adding some much-needed experience in the form of Marvin Knoll and Mats Moller Daehli.

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Manfred Kwadwo, Joel Hanna (both pulled muscle)

St. Pauli

Suspended: 

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jan-Philipp Kalla (pubis), Marc Hornschuh (slipped disc)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Magdeburg were promoted to the 2. Bundesliga after they were already very close two seasons ago. They managed a decent campaign, finishing in first place with 85 Points, and ended their 3. Bundesliga Season with 27 wins, four draws and only seven defeats. However, they have to improve in the the second tier, which is of a very different calibre. Nevertheless, I believe the squad is strong enough to stay away from relegation trouble and their home fortress can be a big advantage with Jens Hertel's men losing just once on their own turf last season (15 wins, three draws).

St. Pauli might have been underwhelming on their home ground last season but on the road they collected some very good results – with six wins, two draws and nine defeats. Nevertheless, they ended up very close to the drop zone with only three points separating them from Aue in 16^thplace as they had a lot of problems with injuries. Some changes in the squad should help them to get some fresh blood.

Home advantage should decide this game above all. Magdeburg are known for their hot atmosphere and great fans and thats can push the team to a first win in their first game in 2. Bundesliga. 

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 2-1

Magdeburg have scored exactly two in four of their last five home games in the league while St. Pauli managed only one goal on average in their last five league matches. My money is on a 2-1 Magdeburg triumph in this opener.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time at MDCC Arena in the 2. Bundesliga.