Holstein Kiel - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

In-form Kiel to beat Kaiserslautern

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel are still without Ilir Azemi, Christopher Lenz, Aaron Seydel, Arne Sicker and Dominik Schmidt who are all injured, but none of them is a key player.

Kaiserslautern won’t have Kacper Przybylko and captain Daniel Halfar at their disposal.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Ilir Azemi (foot), Christopher Lenz (adductor), Aaron Seydel (muscle), Arne Sicker (infection), Dominik Schmidt (back)

Kaiserlautern

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kacper Przybylko (foot), Daniel Halfar (concussion)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Both Kingsley Schindler and Marvin Ducksch scored in Holstein Kiel’s last league outing as the team trashed Regensburg 3-1 away from home in an encounter between two newly promoted clubs. The visitors could even have increased the lead after dominating the first half as they thoroughly outplayed their opponents. Kiel’s attacking trio of Dominick Drexler, Schindler and Ducksch are on fire and if they can keep their momentum after the international break then it will be difficult for any opposition to stop them. Having started the campaign with just one defeat in their first four games and having scored the highest amount of goals in the league (ten), coach Markus Anfang will hope that his team can continue their impressive run.

Kaiserslautern’s coach Norbert Meier was very disappointed after their 1-1 draw against Braunschweig in the last league outing. The home side had 54% of possession and 13-12 shots on target but could not find a winner at home. It is annoying for Kaiserslautern to have so many chances and score only a single goal, but this is where the problem lies for Norbert Meier’s team as the same pattern was evident last season. If it is set to continue then it could become a real problem in the future, and Kaiserslautern’s start to the season with only two points in four games doesn’t bode well.

Kiel clearly have the momentum at the moment and I think they will secure their third league victory.

SECOND PREDICTION: HALF TIME HAD – HOME WIN

Holstein Kiel have scored seven of their ten goals in the first half of their four league matches. Kaiserslautern have netted just twice so far, with one of them arriving via an own goal, and they have been behind at half time in three of their league matches. I expect Kiel to lead after 45 minutes.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time in 2.Bundesliga.