FC St. Pauli

Despite the difficulty of the task facing his team at the Alte Försterei, head coach Olaf Janßen has been upbeat in the run-up to the game: "We won't change the way we play that much, even against Union. We'll be focusing on our own game. We go to Berlin to win with all the means at our disposal." Three games without a win will not have satisfied everyone in and around the club, that is clear. And the head-to-head record at Union Berlin, where the Boys in Brown have not won since 2011, could be better. Nevertheless, when you consider our current form away from home – four wins from six matches – fans, players and officials alike have every reason to be optimistic.

What is beyond dispute, however, is that Union Berlin have become a force to be reckoned with in recent years. The times when the Köpenick-based outfit languished among the also-rans are long gone. And Jens Keller has introduced a more aggressive and successful brand of attacking football since taking charge. Led by striker Sebastian Polter (six goals), Union have already hit the net 24 times this season. The Boys in Brown, by comparison, have 12 goals to their name. There's no need for alarm, though, as with an average of 1.58 points per goal we are the most effective side in the league.

This effectiveness will be needed on Saturday amid a hostile atmosphere at the Alte Försterei. Fortunately, the Boys in Brown are no strangers to boisterous settings. The Millerntor is not exactly a library, after all. Yet one thing is certain: a win can only be achieved if the away section, which is sold out of course, and the players on the pitch work together in unison.

Important information for all fans travelling to the game by train: due to construction work there will be no S-Bahn trains between Ostkreuz and Ostbahnhof.

Photo: Witters