Holstein Kiel - MSV Duisburg

Holstein Kiel to make home advantage count

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel will have to do without the long-term injured Arne Sicker, Amara Conde and Manuel Janzer.

Enis Hajri is suspended and both Andreas Wiegel and Cauly Oliveira Souza are still on Duisburg’s list of absentees, but there have been no fresh injury worries for coach Ilija Gruev.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Manuel Janzer (Achilles), Arne Sicker (unspecified), Amara Conde (foot)

Duisburg

Suspended: Enis Hajri

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Andreas Wiegel (meniscus), Cauly Oliveira Souza (virus)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Holstein Kiel were beaten 3-2 at St. Pauli last Sunday afternoon. The club from Northern Germany are on a torrid run of form, winning just one of their past 13 league matches. Since beating Dresden 3-0 in early November at Holstein Stadium, Kiel have mustered up just eight points from an available 33. The Storks are still in third and despite facing a couple of setbacks here and there, Markus Anfang’s men will be confident they can keep hold of their playoff place.

Duisburg have been relentless in their quest for promotion of late. Since their 4-0 shock defeat at the Continental Arena against Regensburg in November, the Zebras have struck back with a staggering 18 points from an available 27. Ilja Gruev’s side have gone from mid-table to fourth place in no time. However, despite their tremendous form, Duisburg have won only one of the last three, as they beat Ingolstadt 2-1 at home last Saturday.

This is a big game for both, but I can see the Zebras leaving Holstein Stadium pointless. Anfang’s team have lost only one from 12 on home soil this term, so have a punt on Holstein Kiel to pick up their sixth 2. Bundesliga home win of the campaign this Saturday.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – FOUR

Holstein Kiel have scored 45 goals while Duisburg have netted 37 in 24 matches. With both teams scrapping for the points at Holstein Stadium, I can see goals in this one. Kiel’s last four league games have seen 3.75 total goals on average while there have been exactly four in Duisburg’s last five. Have a punt on four goals to be scored in Kiel.

HEAD TO HEAD

There has only been one game between these two in 2. Bundesliga when Duisburg hosted the reverse fixture last September. Holstein Kiel claimed a comfortable 3-1 victory.