DFB Pokal

Rot-Weiss Essen

23 Aug 2026 17:00

St. Pauli

Prediction:

St. Pauli to win 2.10

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Rot-Weiss EssenDraw St. Pauli

Rot-Weiss Essen vs St. Pauli Predictions, Picks & Odds – 23/08/2026

DFB Pokal · 1st Round

Our prediction

1X: Double Chance Rot-Weiss Essen or Draw

2.88 on Betfred · Confidence Medium

Odds recorded on 17 Sep 2026 at 04:49 · Odds are subject to change

Rot-Weiss Essen vs St. Pauli Preview

Rot-Weiss Essen head into this DFB Pokal first-round tie brimming with confidence after a strong 2025/26 campaign in the 3. Liga, where they finished third and earned a promotion play-off berth. Uwe Koschinat's side have been formidable at Stadion Essen, losing just one of their last twelve home fixtures. That record, combined with a likely 4-2-3-1 setup, makes them a difficult proposition for any visiting side on their own patch.

St. Pauli arrive in dreadful form, winless in their last twelve matches across all competitions, a run that includes four defeats in their most recent five outings. Relegation from the Bundesliga prompted a managerial change, with Marcel Rapp now tasked with rebuilding a heavily reshaped squad. A 3-4-1-2 system is expected, though integrating numerous new signings so early in the season represents a significant challenge for the visitors.

Rot-Weiss Essen's formidable home record is the cornerstone of this selection. Having lost just one of their last twelve matches at Stadion Essen, with an average of 1.97 goals per match on their own patch, the hosts carry genuine pedigree in front of their supporters. That 92% unbeaten rate at home is difficult to overlook, particularly against a side arriving in such poor form.

St. Pauli's struggles make the case even more compelling. A twelve-match winless run across all competitions, featuring four defeats in their last five outings, paints a bleak picture. Recently relegated from the Bundesliga, they face the upheaval of a new manager in Marcel Rapp and a heavily reshaped squad still searching for cohesion.

Backing the double chance in favour of the hosts covers both a Rot-Weiss Essen victory and a draw, which feels prudent given the cup's capacity for surprises. The home win price at 2.88 reflects the lower-league hosts' credentials, and combining that with the draw option provides a sensible safety net. St. Pauli's away form offers little reason for confidence at present.

Trends to Know about Rot-Weiss Essen vs St. Pauli

• Essen unbeaten in 92% of home matches
• St. Pauli winless in twelve consecutive fixtures
• Hosts averaged 1.97 home goals per match

St. Pauli arrive at Rot-Weiss Essen with a well-supported 3-4-1-2 shape, Martijn Kaars and Taichi Hara leading the line with Branimir Hrgota pulling strings behind them. Essen's 4-2-3-1 comes from a single speculative source, so their precise personnel carries considerably less certainty heading into this first-round tie.

The structural contrast is intriguing on paper: St. Pauli's wing-backs will be asked to provide width against a flat Essen back four, while the double pivot in midfield could prove decisive in controlling the tempo. Whether Essen's XI reflects reality will only become clear closer to kickoff.

How to Watch Rot-Weiss Essen vs St. Pauli Match?

What time is Rot-Weiss Essen vs St. Pauli?

Kickoff at Stadion Essen is set for 17:00 on 23 August 2026.

Where is Rot-Weiss Essen vs St. Pauli being played?

This DFB Pokal first-round fixture takes place at Stadion Essen, the home ground of Rot-Weiss Essen.

How Can I Watch Rot-Weiss Essen vs St. Pauli on TV and Live Stream?

Check local listings for DFB Pokal broadcast details, as coverage varies by region and provider.