Bundesliga | Gameweek 15

Dec 21, 2024 at 2.30pm UK

Holstein-Stadion

Holstein Kiel vs Augsburg

Match preview

Marcel Rapp's side have struggled in the first 14 rounds, with only one win to show for their efforts.

With 14 goals scored and 37 conceded, the new boys are among the worst teams in both categories, and these statistics underline their struggles.

Statistically, the Storks are the worst debutants at this stage since the turn of the millennium, with Tasmania Berlin's 1965-66 start (four points from three wins) matching Kiel's miserable record.

No club has ever avoided relegation with such a start, underlining the enormity of the task facing Rapp's side in the New Year.

Last Saturday's 4-1 defeat at the hands of Borussia Mönchengladbach was the fifth successive loss for the newly promoted club and their 11th in all competitions this season, tying them with bottom club Bochum.

While they will be looking for a second win of the season in front of their home fans, Augsburg will also be looking for a boost before a lengthy break as they seek a first Bundesliga win in December for the third time and a second in seven games.

Jess Thorup has urged his side to pick up maximum points before the winter break, even if it means ending a winless run that dates back to mid-March when they beat Wolfsburg 3-1.

Since that triumph on 16 March, the Fuggerstadter have lost eight of ten top-flight matches, drawing twice at Wolfsburg (1-1) and at early-season high-flyers Eintracht Frankfurt (2-2).

It is worth noting that both draws have come in recent times, perhaps providing some optimism ahead of Saturday's visit to minnows Kiel, who have conceded at least one goal in 13 of their 14 Bundesliga matches this season.

Although Augsburg have only scored more than once away from home this season (a 2-2 draw at Frankfurt), they will be hoping that Kiel's notoriously fragile defence does not suddenly become watertight this weekend.

Recent Performance

Holstein Kiel Bundesliga form:WLLLLL

Augsburg Bundesliga form:DDLWDL

Augsburg form (all competitions):DLWWDL

Team News

Kiel have a number of injury concerns ahead of their final match in 2024: Patrick Erras is out with a concussion, Marco Komenda and Marvin Schulz have groin problems, while Colin Kleine-Bekel (knee) and Timo Becker (toe) are also sidelined.

Although Shuto Machino tops the scoring charts for the hosts, the 25-year-old has not scored since a brace against Frankfurt in September and has seen his appearances reduced in recent weeks.

Augsburg's Jeffrey Gouweleeuw will serve a one-match ban after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last time out against Bayer Leverkusen.

Also absent are Finn Dahmen (shoulder), Yusuf Kabadayi (knee), Masaya Okugawa (thigh), Reece Oxford (match fitness) and Mads Valentin Pedersen (groin).

Phillip Tietz and Alexis Claude-Maurice have scored eight goals between them for the away side, and both could play a key role in ending Bayern's wait for a first away win since March.

Possible starting lineup

Holstein Kiel possible starting lineup:

Weiner; Ivezic, Komenda, Geschwill; Rosenboom, Holtby, Remberg, Gigovic, Porath; Skrzybski, Harres

Augsburg possible starting lineup:

Labrovic; Matsima, Bauer, Schlotterbeck; Wolf, Onyeka, Jakic, Rexhbecaj, Giannoulis; Tietz, Claude-Maurice