A meeting between two teams who both endured difficult campaigns last season, albeit in different divisions, promises to be an intriguing one as St. Pauli play host to Fürth. Both sides will be desperate to kickstart their respective campaigns with a positive result and restore some confidence following their struggles last term.
A new-look St. Pauli side prepares to begin their 2. Bundesliga campaign following relegation from the Bundesliga last season. Former Karlsruher SC boss Marcel Rapp has been tasked with leading the club's bid for an immediate return to the top flight, while also overseeing a significant squad rebuild after 11 departures during the summer.
One of the club's new arrivals is former Fürth captain Branimir Hrgota, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Sunday's encounter.
St. Pauli made a flying start to their pre-season preparations, picking up four consecutive victories over Altona, Emden, Babelsberg and Gorica. A 4-1 defeat to Premier League side Bournemouth provided the only setback before a credible 2-2 draw with La Liga outfit Deportivo La Coruña brought their preparations to a close.
Head coach Rapp could not hide his excitement ahead of his competitive debut in the dugout:

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