In what could prove to be a defining match in the battle for Bundesliga survival, St Pauli will welcome Hoffenheim to Millerntor-Stadion on Friday.

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The hosts' phenomenal first-half display – a half in which they scored, created nearly 1.3 xG and prevented Wolfsburg from registering a shot on target – was undone in the second 45 minutes when Mohamed Amoura's levelled the match from the penalty spot with less than half an hour to go.

St Pauli had failed to score in any of their prior four matches, though it should be noted that they have played four of the division's top seven in their last five.

Alexander Blessin's side are only two points above 16th-placed VfL Bochum, who occupy the league's relegation playoff spot, and maintaining their advantage will be crucial given the two clubs will play each other on the final day of the season in May.

Kiezkicker are winless in six outings – losing four of their past five – and they conceded nine goals in that period.

St Pauli's form at home has not been particularly strong, with the club having been beaten in four of their six most recent outings at Millerntor-Stadion while emerging victorious just once.

Hoffenheim come into the clash having survived a second-half onslaught against Heidenheim, somehow only conceding once despite facing four big chances and 16 shots from inside the box.

Despite their defensive vulnerability last time out, the visitors have improved significantly at the back considering they have only conceded three goals in their past four games, whereas they had conceded 15 times in their previous five matches.

Die Kraichgauer did lose 2-0 in the reverse fixture against St Pauli on November 2, a game in which they failed to generate one xG, and did not produce a single big chance in the second half.

Christian Ilzer's team are undefeated in their four most recent outings – drawing two and winning two – but they have only found the back of the net once in each of their past three.

Hoffenheim's record on the road is excellent given they have triumphed in four of their last five away from home in all competitions.

St Pauli possible starting lineup:

Vasilj; Nemeth, Wahl, Van der Heyden; Saliakas, Irvine, Smith, Treu; Sinani; Weisshaupt, Saad

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Baumann; Kaderabek, Akpoguma, Ostigard, Gendrey; Bischof, Stach, Becker; Kramaric; Tabakovic, Orban