Jahn Regensburg - Holstein Kiel

Goals expected with both teams on fire

TEAM NEWS

Regensburg are still without Uwe Hesse and Oliver Hein who are both injured. Markus Palionis has muscle problems but could still feature in the squad for this encounter.

Kiel won’t have Arne Sicker and Luca Durholtz at their disposal.

Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: Markus Palionis (muscle)

Injured/unavailable: Uwe Hesse (ankle), Oliver Hein (knee)

Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Arne Sicker (illness), Luca Durholtz

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

It has been a successful week for Regensburg: After a 3-1 cup win against Darmstadt, they registered their second victory in a row, beating relegated Ingostadt deservedly 4-2. They were the better team in the first half of the Bavarian derby despite some concentration issues. Although they fell behind at the beginning of the second half, the team managed  a great comeback with three goals to secure the win. Coach Achim Beierlorzer has employed a very offensive style with high pressing and his team are getting used to this approach more and more. It will be entertaining to watch them in the upcoming weeks with the side displaying such great form at the moment.

Kiel too have registered two consecutive wins in both cup and league, but they always need a wake-up call. They have come from behind in all their four competitive matches so far, but secured points in three of them. The positive results can be attributed to their good team spirit and high morale, despite the fact they have only just arrived from Germany’s third tier.

This is the first match between two promoted teams and both clubs know each other from last season. However, I feel Regensburg have the better playing style which – together with their home advantage – can give them the edge here. Home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – THREE

Neither of the teams are usually known to be high scorers, but this season seems to be different and both sides appear to have found their scoring skills in 2.Bundesliga. At the same time, Kiel, who had the best defence at only 25 goals conceded in 3.Liga last season, have already shipped seven so far – the highest in the second tier. A lot seems to have changed for both teams and I expect to see several goals. My money will be on three in total.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time in 2.Bundesliga, but they met eight times in the third tier where Kiel registered five wins, one draw and two defeats.