The MHP Arena in Stuttgart is set to host an intriguing encounter on September 19, 2025, as VfB Stuttgart clash with newly-promoted FC St. Pauli. This fixture brings together a Bundesliga established side, fresh off a remarkable season, against an ambitious newcomer aiming to make its mark in the top flight. The stage is perfectly set in Stuttgart’s modern MHP Arena, a venue known for its lively atmosphere and excellent pitch conditions. Will Stuttgart continue their impressive trajectory, or can St. Pauli, under new tactical guidance, spring a surprise and announce their arrival with a statement victory? The stakes are high for both teams as they navigate their respective ambitions in the Bundesliga.
Head-to-Head
Historically, matches between VfB Stuttgart and FC St. Pauli have largely favored the home side, Stuttgart. In a total of 11 matches played between the two clubs, VfB Stuttgart boasts a dominant record with 9 victories, while FC St. Pauli has managed just 1 win, and 1 match has ended in a draw. Stuttgart has also been more prolific in front of goal in these encounters, scoring 18 goals compared to St. Pauli’s 6. A notable trend in their past meetings is a propensity for goals, with 8 out of 11 matches seeing over 1.5 goals.
The most recent historical clashes in the 2. Bundesliga saw Stuttgart maintain their edge. While specific recent scores are limited, past results include a draw on February 1, 2020, and a Stuttgart victory on August 17, 2019. Stuttgart also secured a win on August 8, 2016, following a draw on January 29, 2017.
Current Form & Team News
VfB Stuttgart:
VfB Stuttgart enjoyed a phenomenal 2023-2024 season under coach Sebastian Hoeneß, culminating in a remarkable second-place finish in the Bundesliga and securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2009-10. Their impressive league campaign saw them register 23 wins, 4 draws, and 7 losses out of 34 matches, winning 67.65% of their games. Stuttgart’s attacking prowess was evident, averaging 2.3 goals per game, while their defense conceded 1.15 goals on average. They finished the season strong, not losing their last four consecutive matches and winning their last three home games.
Key players like Serhou Guirassy, who was the league’s top scorer with 28 goals (30 overall), along with Chris Führich, Maximilian Mittelstädt, Waldemar Anton, and Deniz Undav, were integral to their success and even earned call-ups to the Germany national team’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024. Assuming these stars remain at the club, their continuity will be a massive asset.
FC St. Pauli:
FC St. Pauli enters the Bundesliga as the champions of the 2. Bundesliga, a testament to their exceptional 2023-2024 campaign. They achieved promotion with a record of 20 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses, winning 58.82% of their matches. St. Pauli scored an average of 1.8 goals per game and conceded 1.06 goals. They also managed to keep a clean sheet in 29% of their matches. Marcel Hartel was their standout performer, leading the team in scoring with 17 league goals (21 overall).
However, St. Pauli will face the new season with a significant change in leadership, as former coach Fabian Hürzeler has departed. Alexander Blessin is expected to lead the team for the 2025-2026 season. Under Blessin, St. Pauli’s tactical approach may evolve. Reports suggest Blessin’s style could involve a more direct, high-tempo game with risky short passing combinations and an attacking focus, or a deeper, more compact defensive block. Additionally, the club might have faced challenges in retaining key attacking players like Morgan Guilavogui and Elias Saad, which could impact their offensive output.
Tactical Preview
This match promises a clash of contrasting, yet potentially evolving, styles. VfB Stuttgart, under Sebastian Hoeneß, is known for a fluid and adaptable tactical approach, often employing formations like 4-4-2, 3-4-2-1, or 4-2-3-1. They emphasize a high build-up play, aiming to create numerical advantages and exploit spaces between opposition lines. Defensively, Stuttgart adopts a proactive, high-pressing stance to win the ball back in advanced positions, but this can leave them vulnerable to quick lateral switches of play if their press is uncoordinated. Their attacking strategy involves passing variety, quick ball movement, and a strong presence in the final third, with midfielders often joining the attack. They are adept at exploiting midfield spaces with through-balls and utilizing their wingers and attacking midfielders to create chances.
For FC St. Pauli, the appointment of Alexander Blessin marks a potential shift. While former coach Hürzeler favored a mid-block, Blessin’s historical approach has varied. For the 2025-2026 season, St. Pauli might adopt a more direct, high-tempo attacking style, characterized by aggressive pressing and risky short passes. Alternatively, as seen in recent analyses for the 2025/2026 season, Blessin might implement a deeper, more compact defensive strategy, focusing on defensive duels and minimizing goals conceded. This defensive solidity saw them rank among the best in goals conceded in the previous season. The effectiveness of St. Pauli’s central defenders in an aggressive pressing scheme, particularly against a high-quality attacking side like Stuttgart, will be crucial, given potential vulnerabilities if their central defenders lack pace.
Playing at the MHP Arena, Stuttgart will benefit from home support and familiar surroundings. The modern stadium ensures excellent pitch conditions, minimizing external factors affecting play. Travel fatigue will be more a concern for St. Pauli, though professional preparation usually mitigates significant impact.
