FC St. Pauli

Development

Kaiserslautern have an excellent talent development programme, as evidenced by the 13 members of the squad who have come through the club‘s youth ranks, more than any other second division team by far. In addition, eight of their players have represented their country at youth level.

Successful

Brandon Borrello is going through something of a purple patch at the moment. The Australian has had a hand in five goals in his last three appearances (two goals, three assists). In the 16 games the 22-year-old has featured this season, the Red Devils have collected 22 of their 24 points to date. Borrello, who operates on the right flank, moved to Kaiserslautern from Brisbane last summer and has three goals and seven assists to his name so far.

Resolute

Michael Frontzeck‘s side have been clinical from the spot this term. Christoph Moritz has converted all four of his penalty attempts, more than anyone else at this level. At the other end goalkeeper Marius Müller, 24, has also impressed, keeping out three of the five spot-kicks he has faced, most recently against Kiel’s Marvin Ducksch in February. In addition, the Leipzig loanee leads the way in the categories shots stopped (90) and saves (81).

Rebuilt

All change has been the motto at Kaiserslautern this season, with 21 players coming in and 18 leaving the club. Following their assault on the transfer market the Red Devils now boast the largest squad in the league (32). Although they have deployed 30 of these 32 players this season, Kaiserslautern can point to just eight different goalscorers. Only VfL Bochum have fewer (seven).

Decision

When it comes to the coaching job, tough decisions have been a regular occurrence at the Betzenberg in the recent past. In the last five years, Lautern have had nine different managers. This season, former St. Pauli boss Michael Frontzeck is the fourth already. His stint at the Millerntor ended in November 2013 after a 4-1 away reverse against Kaiserslautern, funnily enough.

Eventful

The final third has been a particularly hectic phase of the game for the Red Devil’s this season. Half of their goals scored have come in the last half an hour (14), and even more than been conceded (22). The Red Devil’s have shipped three goals after the 90th minute, only Heidenheim have let in more in stoppage time (four).

Disappointing

FCK fans have litte cause for cheer recently. In the 2017 calendar year they were the worst side in the second division, picking up just 34 points from 35 matches. This season Kaiserslautern have the worst goal difference (-16), the highest number of defeats to their name (14) and the fewest attempts on goal (168). After the 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture they dropped to 18th and last place, where they have remained ever since. The Red Devils are winless in six games against the Boys in Brown (two draws and a defeat at the Millerntor and three losses in a row at the Betzenberg.

Photos: Witters / Eibner