Holstein Kiel - SV Darmstadt 98

Home strong Holstein Kiel to seal a vital victory 

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Amara Conde and suspended Johannes van den Bergh.

Dirk Schuster’s Darmstadt have a full-strength side for this weekend clash, with Peter Niemeyer, Felix Platte and Joel Mall the only three absentees while Fabian Holland faces a one-match suspension due to his two yellow cards against Dusseldorf last time out.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: Johannes van den Bergh

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Amara Conde (foot)

Darmstadt

Suspended: Fabian Holland

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Peter Niemeyer (foot), Joel Mall (shoulder), Felix Platte (calf)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Markus Anfang’s Holstein Kiel missed the chance to put pressure on second-placed Nurnberg after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bielefeld at Schuco Arena last Sunday. Having won their last home game against Heidenheim, the promotion-chasing Storks have now taken eight points from an available 12 since losing to St. Pauli 3-2 at the end of February.

Since taking over the managerial reigns at Darmstadt at the end of 2017, Dirk Schuster has managed to pick up three wins in 11 games. After sealing an excellent 1-1 draw away from home against Nurnberg, Darmstadt followed that up with a surprise 1-0 home win over leaders Dusseldorf on Monday. The Lilies have had a woeful run away from home over the past few months though, winning just twice in the 2. Bundesliga since September.

I fancy Holstein Kiel to continue their unbeaten run this weekend. They have been superb at home of late, winning two and drawing three of their last five, and they should be too strong for bottom side Darmstadt in this one. I’ll be backing a Holstein Kiel win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – HOME WIN

Holstein Kiel have netted at least two goals in five of their last six home league games while Darmstadt have scored just one on average in their last six away. I think the hosts will be ahead at half time.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two have never met at Holstein Stadium in the 2. Bundesliga. Back in October, the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at Darmstadt.