FC St. Pauli

Many fans will no doubt be glad to see the back of the enforced break this weekend. Yet Markus Kauczinski's side have just as much if not more reason to look forward to meeting the Violets. After three competitive defeats on the bounce, the task now is to get back on track and land points seven, eight and nine. That will be easier said than done. You don't have to be a statto to know that excursions to Aue have often proved fruitless in recent times. Fortunately, everything is going to be different from now on.

The Boys in Brown have had enough time to work on their defensive stability during the two-week break. Going by the 5-3 defeat against league leaders Cologne last time out, this will be the key to success in the next few matches, as Christopher Buchtmann is only too aware: "This system has advantages and disadvantages. We obviously carry more of an attacking threat with two No10s, but we also leave more space which we have to defend more rigorously as a team – and that includes me."

One thing is clear, however. Kauczinski's side must be ready for a scrap. Up and down the country, Aue are known for their passion, hard work and fighting spirit. No game is given up as lost, no tackle is shirked. A style of play that has earned the Violets a deserved reputation as awkward opponents. On top of this, the league standings mean the onus is very much on Daniel Meyer's side to return to winning ways. One point from their opening four games translates to 16^th place in the table, the relegation play-off spot that they will be especially keen to avoid after last season's nerve-jangling, yet ultimately successful escape over two legs against Karlsruhe.

One way or the other, the Boys in Brown will need to knuckle down and give as good as they get. That they are capable of scoring goals is clear to anyone who saw them against Cologne at the Millerntor. So it will be all about finding the right balance.

Photos: Witters