Bayer Leverkusen vs St. Pauli Prediction & Betting Tips (3 February)

Bayer Leverkusen enter this DFB Pokal clash with the confidence of a side that has maintained strong form across multiple competitions in recent weeks. Their recent schedule included a narrow but controlled 1–0 Bundesliga win over Werder Bremen and an impressive 3–0 Champions League victory against Villarreal, both of which reinforced their defensive stability and attacking sharpness. News surrounding the club in the past two months has often highlighted the continued rise of young talents like Florian Wirtz and the consistency of Patrik Schick, who has been central to their forward momentum. With the team balancing domestic and European duties effectively, the Pokal presents another opportunity to showcase their depth and tactical maturity.

St. Pauli, meanwhile, approach this fixture with the gritty resilience that has defined much of their recent campaign. Their league form has been mixed, but they have shown flashes of determination, including a hard-fought performance in their recent Bundesliga outings. In the past two months, St. Pauli have been in the news for their push to stabilize their position in the top flight, with players like Hauke Wahl and Eric Smith drawing attention for their contributions. Although they have struggled to consistently convert chances, their ability to disrupt stronger opponents has been evident, making them a potentially tricky opponent in a knockout setting.

The recent history between these two sides adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. Their last meetings in league play saw Leverkusen edge St. Pauli with 2–1 victories, including a match where Ernest Poku delivered a decisive second‑half winner. St. Pauli, however, have shown they can trouble Leverkusen, as seen in their spirited performances and moments where they pressed effectively and forced defensive errors. Both teams have evolved since those encounters, with Leverkusen sharpening their attacking transitions and St. Pauli focusing on tightening their defensive structure. These dynamics set the stage for a compelling tactical battle in the Pokal.

Considering the form, squad depth, and recent performances of both sides, Leverkusen appear to hold a clear advantage heading into this cup tie. Their ability to control possession, create high‑quality chances, and maintain composure in decisive moments gives them a strong edge over a St. Pauli side that, while spirited, has struggled to match the consistency of top‑tier opponents. With all factors weighed, the most reasonable expectation for this encounter points toward a 3:1 correct score in favor of Bayer Leverkusen.