FC St. Pauli

After the rollercoaster ride against Paderborn, which couldn't have more dramatic in the closing stages with three goals scored and another one disallowed, the Boys in Brown had every reason to be satisfied after a fantastic show of morale. Yet in view of the impressive performance against a clinically effective Paderborn, it could easily have been more than just the one point. Following a disappointing showing in the 2-0 defeat at Rostock, it was a step in the right direction, however, and the Schultz XI now go to Fürth looking to go a step further.

Things have not gone according to plan for the Middle Franconians so far this season. Three draws and three defeats from their opening six games translate to 16th place in the table. The relegated Bundesliga side, who have been coached by 42-year-old Swiss Marc Schneider since the summer, will certainly have expected something very different on their return to the second tier. No wins in the league so far, plus an early exit in the DFB Cup after a 2-0 reverse at fifth-tier outfit Stuttgarter Kickers. The last time Fürth won a competitive fixture was on 12 February when they beat Hertha BSC 2-1 at home. Eight draws and eleven defeats in the next 19 matches mean they have not won a game in more than half a year. Marc Schneider's side will thus be desparate to end that barren streak against the Boys in Brown.

The Schultz XI also have a negative run they are hoping to bring to an end, however. They, too, have not won a match in more than six months - though their drought applies to away games only. The last time they returned to Hamburg with three points in the bag was in late February, when they won 3-1 at FC Ingolstadt 04, who were later relegated. So are the luckless Fürth the right opponents at the right time to secure that long-awaited away win? "We're not in a position to underestimate our opponents. For us, it's important to take advantage of the fact that they haven't got going yet. They've been playing well, but haven't been rewarded," said head coach Timo Schultz in the run-up.

According to Schultz, Fürth have played "some thrilling football at times", with only the results leaving something to be desired. Despite the departure of first-team regulars such as Jamie Leweling, Paul Seguin (both to Union Berlin) and Maximilian Bauer (to FC Augsburg), the squad still has a lot of quality that is not reflected in the current standings. The Boys in Brown face a tough assignment, then, as Fürth are sure to do their utmost to take all three points. Buoyed by the strong performance against league leaders Paderborn last week, however, they will be hopeful of returning home from the Ronhof with all three points in the bag.

Photos: Witters