Derby Day: HSV on the Up, St. Pauli Sinking
Hamburger SV sit fifth and unbeaten in four; FC St. Pauli arrive tenth, winless in two and without the injured Yoel Amar.
Hamburger SV have not lost in four, yet three of those were draws. Fifth place, 18 points from 10 games, and a derby against the neighbours from tenth: this is the sort of match that decides whether a season drifts or catches fire.
St. Pauli have won just one of their last five and are without Yoel Amar, who pulled wrist ligaments. They have lost the last three meetings, conceding seven. Neizan Pestano, six goals in his last five, will fancy his chances against a defence that has kept out just eight goals all season. Da Silva against Tony van Eijk is the duel to watch. HSV need the win to stay in the leading pack; St. Pauli need it to stop looking over their shoulder.