Before the city derby between FC St. Pauli and Hamburger SV on Friday evening, both teams emphasize the importance of the game. It could be the last meeting between the two clubs in the second division at Millerntor for the time being.
Who is the number one in Hamburg? This question moves the fans of the brown-whites and the current city champion HSV in equal measure before the 108th meeting. The unofficial title will be fought again on Friday evening (6.30 p.m., in the NDR Livecenter). And it’s already crackling in the city.
“Fire” at St. Pauli in training
At Kollaustraße, the sparks at St. Pauli have already jumped over the training ground: “There’s fire in the units,” said coach Timo Schultz before the game. “When I watch my players interact with each other, I feel determination and anticipation.”
Above all, the Kiezkicker want to face HSV with passion in order to be so successful: “The boys know what is in demand and what our fans want to see. They want to see an open mind, duels and a team that plays forward and wants to win the game. We will show that,” announced Schultz.
“Flaming Heart” at HSV
HSV is also “on fire” as soon as it comes to the derby. “We want an away win at home in Hamburg,” said coach Tim Walter, “and with a flaming heart and a cool head.”
As the league leaders and after six games in a row without defeat, the Rothosen have their sights set on promotion to the Bundesliga. They are the favorites against St. Pauli, but the upcoming game is not an ordinary one: “It is well known that city duels have their own rules,” emphasized Walter. “Nevertheless, the fact is that we’re first and that’s why we want to go there and perform.”
St. Pauli wants to end the negative run
St. Pauli, afflicted with relegation worries, goes into the city duel as the underdog. But despite seven games in a row without a win, the hosts are cautiously optimistic: “You can ignore a derby from any trends, the table situation and the rest of the season,” said Schultz, making the uniqueness of the game clear. The anticipation is huge for him and the players. “We can achieve a lot if we exert stress and constantly involve HSV in duels.”
Paqarada and Irvine fit, HSV draws on the full
In terms of personnel, however, the Kiezicker have to do without defender David Nemeth. The 21-year-old Austrian is suffering from adductor problems. The two captains, on the other hand, are back on board: According to Schultz, Jackson Irvine is fit again after his head injury in the 2-1 defeat in Braunschweig and will be available on Friday, as will left-back Leart Paqarada, who has also recovered.
In terms of personnel, HSV can draw on almost unlimited resources. From the extended trunk, only left-back Tim Leibold (torn thigh muscle) is unavailable. Goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes and winger Jean-Luc Dompé, who recently missed the home game against 1. FC Kaiserslautern, are also fit.
March of the HSV fans to the Millerntor
The match has been classified as a safety match, serving alcohol in the stadium is not permitted. Despite all the rivalry and explosiveness, the coaches of both Hamburg clubs are hoping for a peaceful derby in the stands.
The HSV fans are planning a march to the Millerntor Stadium, starting at 2:30 p.m. on the Altona balcony. And if it’s up to them, they don’t want to have to go down this path again next season as a promoted team. The St. Pauli supporters meet at 3 p.m. on the Millerntor forecourt to get in the mood for the encounter – in the hope of bringing the city championship back to the district.
Possible lineups:
FC St Pauli: Vasilj – Saliakas, Fazliji, Medic, Paqarada – Smith, Aremu – Irvine, Hartel – Amenyido, Matanovic
Hamburger SV: Heuer Fernandes – Heyer, Vuskovic, Schonlau, Muheim – Meffert – Reis, Benes – Dompé, Glatzel, Kittel
This topic in the program:
Hamburg Journal | 10/14/2022 | 19:30 o’clock
