Bundesliga | Gameweek 18

Jan 18, 2025 at 2.30pm UK

Holstein-Stadion

Holstein Kiel vs Hoffenheim

Match preview

Sitting second from bottom with a dismal 11 points, Holstein Kiel face the daunting task of staving off relegation this term as the Storks have endured a torrid campaign, recording a meagre three wins, two draws and 12 defeats in 17 Bundesliga appearances this term.

The home side began the campaign in unimpressive fashion, going winless in their first eight matches (two draws and six defeats), but ended their winless run with a 1-0 victory over Heidenheim at the Holstein Stadium on 2 November.

The Kiel side seemed to have found their stride with that victory, but a five-game winless streak soon followed, deepening their woes.

Although Marcel Rapp's side did manage to end 2024 on a high with a 5-1 victory over Augsburg, they were unable to maintain the momentum and suffered another defeat against Freiburg (3-2) in their penultimate league outing, which was followed by a famous 4-2 win over former champions Borussia Dortmund.

While the win in their last outing will be a huge morale-booster, it remains to be seen whether the Storks will be able to secure back-to-back victories for the first time this season against Hoffenheim, who are yet to win away from home this season.

A win on Saturday may not be enough to lift them out of the relegation zone altogether, but it will certainly help their bid to stay in the top flight next season.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are on a six-game winless streak in the Bundesliga, with their last three league outings ending in defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach (2-1), Wolfsburg (1-0) and Bayern Munich (5-0).

In an attempt to stem the rot at the club, Pellegrino Matarazzo was relieved of his duties, paving the way for the appointment of Christian Ilzer on 15 November.

The Austrian began his tenure with a bang, leading his side to a 4-3 win over RB Leipzig in matchday 11 - their first win since a 3-1 triumph over fellow strugglers Bochum on 19 October.

The visitors are winless away from home this term, but despite their bleak prospects, the away side still have a clear advantage over the promoted sides.

The Kraichgau outfit have won their last five away league games against promoted sides, the longest such streak in the top flight.

Defeat at the Holstein-Stadion on Saturday will extend their losing streak to four games for the first time since 29 September and will certainly add to their relegation woes.

However, the hosts' poor defensive record at home leaves the door open for the desperate visitors.

Recent Performance

Holstein Kiel Bundesliga form:LLLWLW

Hoffenheim Bundesliga form:LDDLLL

Hoffenheim form (all competitions):DDDLLL

Team News

Marcel Rapp will be without the services of midfielder Lewis Holtby, who was given his marching orders last time out against Borussia Dortmund.

Colin Kleine-Bekel (knee), Marvin Schulz (muscle), Steven Skrzybski (Achilles) and Patrick Erras (concussion) are all out for the game.

However, Shuto Machino and Phil Harres, both of whom have seven goals between them, should be part of the attacking trio alongside Alexander Bernhardsson.

The visitors also have a long list of absentees for Saturday's clash at the Holstein Stadium.

Ihlas Bebou is out with a knee injury, as are Ozan Kabak and Grischa Promel, while Christopher Lenz is out with a calf injury.

Pavel Kaderabek is suspended for this game due to yellow card accumulation, while Umut Tohumcu is out with an ankle injury.

Possible starting lineup

Holstein Kiel possible starting lineup:

Weiner; Komenda, Zec, Becker; Porath, Knudsen, Remberg, Rosenboom; Machino, Bernhardsson; Harres

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Baumann; Arthur Chaves, Akpoguma, Nsoki, Gendrey; Geiger, Samassekou; Bischof, Hlozek, Kramaric; Yardimci