Arminia Bielefeld - Holstein Kiel

Arminia to claim victory on Sunday 

TEAM NEWS

Bielefeld’s Nils Quaschner is set to miss this game with a knee injury.

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

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner (knee)

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Before losing 4-2 at Dusseldorf two weeks ago, Bielefeld had been unbeaten in two games, drawing 2-2 away to Heidenheim and beating promotion hopefuls Nurnberg 1-0 at home. Although their defeat at Esprit Arena before the international break was a setback, Arminia are still in with a shout of the promotion playoff place. Their home form of five wins, four draws and four defeats will need to improve if they want to close the gap of six points to third place.

A win for Holstein Kiel would not only keep the pressure on Nurnberg, but it would also be their chance to leapfrog the second-placed team and climb into a direct promotion place. Holstein have been dropping points regularly since mid-November, recording nine draws and three defeats in their last 14 outings, but they have hit back with two important home victories against Duisburg 5-0 and Heidenheim 2-1. Markus Anfang’s men still sit third, two points behind the second-placed Nurnberg. 

Bielefeld could put a lot of pressure on Kiel with a win here. The visitors have not won on the road since mid-October across all competitions. With that in mind, I’m backing a narrow Bielefeld win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – THREE 

There have been seven goals scored in the last two fixtures between Bielefeld and Holstein Kiel. Both teams’ matches have also featured over three total goals on average this season. With both teams scrapping for the points at Schuco Arena, I can see goals in this one. Have a punt on three goals to be scored in Bielefeld.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bielefeld have never met Holstein Kiel in 2. Bundesliga in front of their fans. However, back in October the reverse fixture ended with a 2-1 home win for Kiel.