SVWW narrow defeat to Champions in season finale
Pros |
The first round of fixtures of the 2. Bundesliga season will draw to a close this weekend, with SV Wehen travelling to Hamburg to face FC St. Pauli. Saturday’s match will get underway at 13:00 CET.
Personnel matters: Club captain Sebastian Mrowca is available for selection once more after serving a suspension, with Head Coach Rüdiger Rehm stating that: ‘’Sebastian is always likely to figure in the starting line-up.’’ The same is true of Michel Niemeyer, who was rested for the match against Darmstadt after an extended run in the first XI. With the exception of those sidelined by long-term injuries, Rehm has more or less a full complement of players at his disposal.
The scenario: SVWW have gone unbeaten in their last two matches, with one win and one draw. On both occasions (0-0 against Darmstadt and 2-0 in Nuremberg) the Red & Blacks have managed to keep a clean sheet. ‘’If we’re able to show the same intensity and desire, come out on top in the physical battles and close down space across the pitch, then we have a good shot at coming away from here with points in the bag,’’ said Rehm.
Outlook: A crowd of over 29,000 is expected for Saturday’s match, with over 400 SVWW fans making the trip to Hamburg to cheer on the Red & Blacks. ‘’It’s great to see. Our fans have supported us through thick and thin and it’s so important to feel them behind us in the stadium.’’ The home section of the Millerntor Stadium is completely sold out, but there are still a few tickets remaining for the away section (both standing and seated). These tickets will go on sale at the box office from 11.30 CET. Rüdiger Rehm is clearly a fan of St. Pauli’s home ground: ‘’It’s undoubtedly one of the best stadiums in Germany to play football in.’’
The opposition: ‘’We know how important this match is. St. Pauli are an excellent side and possess a lot of individual quality. I think they’ve been unfortunate with both injuries and the way some of their matches have turned out. We know how difficult it’s going to be for us making the trip to Hamburg as underdogs, but we want to give a good account of ourselves. We’ve already proved several times that we’re capable of getting results.’’
Here’s what Marvin Ajani has to say: ‘’There is a brilliant atmosphere in the dressing room, and we’ve certainly been buoyed by results over the past few weeks. I think we adapt well to playing away in large grounds with intimidating atmospheres - we certainly showed that in Nuremberg. Of course we’re all looking forward to playing in a stadium like the Millerntor.’’
Man of the Match: As always, you have the opportunity to vote for your Man of the Match. Simply cast your vote in the Match Center on the SVWW website anytime between kick-off and midnight on the day of the game and win a shirt signed by the Man of the Match!