Essen will likely line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with a double pivot sitting deep to protect the back four. They'll look to stay compact, force St. Pauli wide, and then hit on the break through the half-space runners. But that's a risky game against a side that's so good at picking apart low blocks. St. Pauli, expected in their 4-4-2, will have the midfield dogfight won early. With two strikers up top, they can go direct when needed, but they're also happy to play through the thirds. The wide areas will be key — St. Pauli's full-backs love to bomb on, and if they can pin Essen's wingers back, it becomes a one-way street.

The pressing trap is what really worries you if you're Essen. St. Pauli don't give you time on the ball, and they'll force mistakes in dangerous areas. Essen's back line will be under constant pressure, and one misplaced pass could be punished. Set pieces are another concern — St. Pauli are dangerous from dead balls, and Essen's zonal marking has been suspect at times. If St. Pauli get an early goal, the game opens up, and that's exactly what they want. Essen will have to be perfect for ninety minutes, and that's a big ask against a side with this much quality.