The Matchday 23 clash in the Bundesliga between Holstein Kiel and Bayer will take place on February 22 at the Holstein-Stadion. Holstein Kiel vs. Bayer: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Holstein Kiel
In the previous round, the team suffered a 1-3 away defeat to Eintracht, extending their winless streak in the league to five matches (2 draws, 3 losses). However, it's worth noting that Marcel Rapp's side has scored in every game during this stretch. Moreover, Holstein has a nine-match scoring streak in the Bundesliga. In the standings, the club has dropped to the last position.
- At least four goals have been scored in Holstein's last 9 league games.
- Holstein has conceded in 6 consecutive Bundesliga home matches.
- The club has conceded first in 10 of their last 13 matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Holstein Kiel (3-5-2)
Thomas Dähne – Marco Komenda, David Zec, Ivan Nekic – Finn Porath, Timo Becker, Lewis Holtby, Armin Gigovic, Nikolai Remberg – Phil Harres, Fiete Arp.
Bayer
Xabi Alonso's side failed to close the gap on the leading Munich team. In the last round, Leverkusen shared points with Bayern (0-0), marking their third draw in the last four Bundesliga matches (1 win). Additionally, the team failed to score in two consecutive matches for the first time this season. Nevertheless, Bayer remains the second most prolific club in the tournament, although they now share this title with Eintracht.
- Leverkusen has won 9 of their last 12 Bundesliga matches (3 draws).
- In 8 of their last 10 away league games, the team has conceded at least one goal.
- Both teams scored in 8 of Bayer's last 10 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Bayer (4-4-2)
Lukáš Hrádecký – Piero Hincapié, Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba – Alejandro Grimaldo, Granit Xhaka, Exequiel Palacios, Jeremie Frimpong – Florian Wirtz, Nathan Tella.
Referee
Daniel Schlager (Germany)
Matches – 10 (Bundesliga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 35;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.5;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 20%.
Match Prediction: Holstein Kiel vs. Bayer
Leverkusen outperformed Bayern in the last round and should have secured the win, but luck was not on their side in terms of finishing. It's unlikely that Xabi Alonso's men will give up the chase for the Munich team. The club needs not only to wait for the leader to slip up but also to stop dropping points themselves. Overall, Leverkusen has shown excellent results, winning 9 of their last 12 Bundesliga matches. They should handle the tournament's underdog without issues. The result of the first-round meeting (2-2) will prevent them from underestimating the opponent.
Holstein has been dreadful in defense. Marcel Rapp's side has conceded more than any other team in the league, and they have allowed at least two goals in each of the last seven rounds. However, they have also scored in every match during this period, so Holstein has a chance to trouble Bayer, who has conceded in 8 of their last 10 away Bundesliga games.
My prediction: Bayer to win and Total over 2.5 goals
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