FC St. Pauli vs VfL Wolfsburg - 2. Bundesliga

A fascinating 2. Bundesliga chapter awaits on September 12, 2026 when FC St. Pauli take on VfL Wolfsburg at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The left-back was taken off in the final minutes against Everton with cramp, and was not risked for the Champions League clash vs Sabah on Thursday.

A glance at the 2. Bundesliga table tells the story: FC St. Pauli in 9th and VfL Wolfsburg in 5th, with positions to defend and places to climb. FC St. Pauli are in the midst of a difficult spell, W in their last five summing up a win rate of 20%. VfL Wolfsburg travel in decent nick, L in their last five and a win rate of 40% this season. Their respective approaches this season have differed noticeably, and the tactical contrast could prove telling. The Saudi Pro League side have now placed a €45 million package on the table, while Watkins himself is understood to be open to making the move.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. FC St. Pauli will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while VfL Wolfsburg will back themselves to cause problems on the break. But the Greek winger believes the mentality Arsenal are showing in pre-season is a sign they are ready to defend their crown.

With M. Zoma leading the league's scoring charts at 5 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. Carlos Baleba looks to be staying with Brighton(Image: PA) Manchester United are unlikely to pursue Carlos Baleba any further this summer as a result of the Brighton midfielder picking up an ankle ligament injury.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. VfL Wolfsburg look well-equipped to take the points on the road, with a 1-2 victory well within their reach. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.