St. Pauli vs. Bochum Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 17 May 2025

The upcoming match between St. Pauli and Bochum at the Millerntor Stadion promises to be a crucial encounter, especially for the home side. This final round (34th) of the Bundesliga sees 14th-placed St. Pauli hosting already-relegated Bochum. With both teams struggling for consistency, this game is significant for St. Pauli to finish their season on a high note and cement their Bundesliga status.

St. Pauli, under coach Alexander Blessin, are slight bookmaker favorites with odds of 1.64 for a home win. Relegation-bound Bochum, trailing in the 18th position with just 22 points, have not won in their last eight matches, making them underdogs for this clash.

Given both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities and attacking potential, expect an open and competitive first half with both teams likely to score!

Injuries will be a factor, with St. Pauli missing key players such as Simon Zoller and Guilavogui. Additionally, they might welcome Polish international Arkadiusz Pyrka soon. Meanwhile, Bochum will play without pressure, affecting their strategy and style of play.

Take a punt on an exciting start, predicting both teams will find the net in the first half.

St. Pauli vs Bochum Prediction & Betting tip

Here’s why this bet could be a winner:

• Both teams have shown attacking prowess in the first half across recent games.
• An open and competitive match is expected due to Bochum’s relegation status.
• St. Pauli’s home advantage could lead to early goals.

St. Pauli vs Bochum Odds

St. Pauli enters this match as the bookmaker’s favorite, reflecting their slightly better form and home advantage.
A draw might offer high stakes given the history of close encounters between these teams.
Bochum, despite their struggles, might still present a value bet for those looking for an upset, especially playing with no pressure due to their confirmed relegation.

St. Pauli Team Analysis

St. Pauli Recent Performance

St. Pauli has shown a mixed bag of results in the last five matches, managing one win, three draws, and one loss:

St. Pauli has averaged 1.00 goals per game in these fixtures, showcasing some resilience with three clean sheets. However, they have also conceded goals in critical moments, particularly in the final quarter of matches. Despite their fluctuating form, they will look to leverage their recent performances and home advantage to secure a vital win against Bochum.

St. Pauli Key Players

St. Pauli’s attack will greatly depend on Morgan Guilavogui, their top scorer with six goals this season. His potential involvement could be crucial, but he’s currently doubtful due to muscle cramps. Other key players include Johannes Eggestein and Noah Weißhaupt, who will likely spearhead the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Expected lineup for St. Pauli:

• Goalkeeper: Ben Voll
• Defenders: David Nemeth, Hauke Wahl, Lars Ritzka
• Midfielders: Manolis Saliakas, Eric Smith, Carlo Boukhalfa, Philipp Treu
• Attackers: Johannes Eggestein, Noah Weißhaupt, Oladapo Afolayan

Look out for the midfield battle between Eric Smith and Bochum’s Ibrahima Sissoko, as well as potential individual brilliance from Oladapo Afolayan.

St. Pauli Suspensions & Injuries

St. Pauli is currently grappling with a series of injuries, some of which could significantly impact their performance:

Morgan Guilavogui, the team’s top scorer, is a major doubt with muscle cramps, potentially weakening their attack. Simon Zoller and Elias Saad’s potential late May return could provide a slight boost if they recover in time. However, the absence of key players like James Sands and Jackson Irvine will be felt in their defensive and midfield setups.

St. Pauli Tactics and Formation

St. Pauli Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Johannes Eggestein
• Midfield Duo: Eric Smith, Carlo Boukhalfa
• Defensive Unit: Ben Voll (GK), David Nemeth, Hauke Wahl, Siebe van der Heyden

St. Pauli’s preferred formation under coach Alexander Blessin has been a 3-4-3, focusing on a balanced approach between defense and attack. With recent injuries hitting the squad hard, there will likely be changes in personnel but not in the tactical setup.

• Defensive Strength: While they’ve managed two clean sheets in their last five games, their average goals conceded remains a concern at 1.2 per match.
• Notable Strategy: They concede most goals late in the game, particularly in the last 15 minutes, and will need to tighten up to secure valuable points against Bochum.

Key players like Eric Smith and Carlo Boukhalfa will be crucial in controlling the midfield, providing the necessary support for both defense and attack. The attacking trio will look to capitalize on opportunities, especially with the absence of some regulars due to injuries.

Bochum Team Analysis

Bochum Recent Performance

Bochum’s recent run of form has been disappointing, managing no wins in their last five matches. With relegation already confirmed, they’ve struggled particularly in attack, scoring only 3 goals in these games and maintaining just one clean sheet.

Recent Form: LDDLL

Bochum have averaged only 0.60 goals per game in their last five outings. Despite their efforts, they’ve found it challenging to secure victories and keep clean sheets. However, their tendency to score in the period between the 31st and 45th minute remains a notable pattern.

Expected lineup for Bochum:

• Goalkeeper: Timo Horn
• Defenders: Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets, Bernardo
• Midfielders: Tom Krauss, Felix Passlack, Ibrahima Sissoko, Anthony Losilla, Maximilian Wittek
• Forwards: Myron Boadu, Georgios Masouras

In a game with nothing to lose, look out for Myron Boadu, Bochum’s top scorer with 7 goals. His pace and finishing ability will be crucial. Georgios Masouras partners him upfront and could exploit St. Pauli’s defensive weaknesses.

In midfield, Ibrahima Sissoko and Anthony Losilla could hold the key to controlling play, while Timo Horn in goal will aim to keep them in the game with critical saves.

Key battles will likely involve Boadu against St. Pauli’s defenders and Sissoko challenging their midfield control.

Bochum Suspensions & Injuries

Bochum are nursing a few injuries going into their final game of the season. Key midfielder Matus Bero, sidelined with a calf injury, is arguably the most significant loss. His absence will be felt in the center of the park where Bochum have struggled for control.

Up front, the absence of Philipp Hofmann, out with a broken rib, limits their attacking options. Expect coach Dieter Hecking to rely heavily on top scorer Myron Boadu. With Hartwig also out, Bochum’s bench looks thin, potentially leading to fatigue issues during the match.

Bochum Tactics and Formation

Bochum’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-1-4-2
• Key Forward: Myron Boadu
• Midfield Engine: Tom Krauß
• Defensive Resilience: A mix of youth and experience with Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets, and Bernardo forming the back three.
• Notable Strategy: Preference for counter-attacks and set-pieces.

Bochum’s setup primarily revolves around a three-man defense, providing a solid base to build from the back. The defensive midfielder, Tom Krauß, shields the defense while also linking play with the midfield. The wing-backs, Felix Passlack and Maximilian Wittek, are crucial for width and supply crosses to the front two.

Expect them to rely on Boadu’s pace for breaking through defenses and taking advantage of any opportunities that arise around the 31-45 minute interval, where they have been most effective this season. With relegation already confirmed, Bochum might opt for a more expressive approach, allowing for a fluid and direct style of play.

St. Pauli vs Bochum Head-to-Head Statistics

Although St. Pauli have struggled against Bochum in their recent encounters, they will be aiming to turn the tide on their home turf at Millerntor-Stadion. Given Bochum’s winless streak and relegation concerns, this match could present a crucial opportunity for St. Pauli to secure valuable points.

Odds accurate as of 15.05.2025 14:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.