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 defeat away 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 found the net in all matches during this stretch. Moreover, Holstein has a nine-game scoring streak in the Bundesliga. In the standings, the club has dropped to the bottom position.
- At least four goals have been scored in the team's last nine league matches.
- Holstein has conceded in their last six home games in the Bundesliga.
- 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 Zeć, Ivan Nekić – Finn Porath, Timo Becker, Lewis Holtby, Armin Gigović, 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), drawing for the third time in their 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 have 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 the team was unlucky with their finishing. It is unlikely that Xabi Alonso's squad will give up on the chase for the Munich team. The club not only needs to wait for the leader to slip up but also needs to stop dropping points themselves. Overall, Leverkusen is showing excellent results, winning 9 of their last 12 Bundesliga matches. They should handle the tournament's underdogs without issues. The result of the first-round encounter (2-2) will prevent them from underestimating their opponent.
Holstein is performing poorly in defense. Marcel Rapp's side has conceded more goals than any other team in the league, and for seven consecutive rounds, they have allowed at least two goals per match. However, they do manage to score in all matches during this period. Therefore, Holstein has a chance to trouble Bayer, who have conceded in 8 of their last 10 away Bundesliga games.
My prediction: Bayer to win and Total over 2.5 goals
