Holstein Kiel - VfL Wolfsburg

Holstein Kiel look to bounce back

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel have no fresh injuries or suspensions to worry about.

Wolfsburg will not have Victor Osimhen, Riechedly Bazoer, Marcel Tisserand and Admir Mehmedi at their disposal for the second leg against Holstein Kiel.

Holstein Kiel
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: None

Wolfsburg
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Victor Osimhen (shoulder), Riechedly Bazoer (meniscus), Marcel Tisserand (thigh), Admir Mehmedi (foot)

MATCH PREVIEW
MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After a hard-fought first leg at the Volkswagen Arena on Thursday, Wolfsburg hold a 3-1 advantage over Holstein Kiel in this promotion/relegation playoff tie, with Divock Origi, Josip Brekalo and Yunus Malli scoring the goals for the Wolves while Kingsley Schindler netted the only goal for Kiel. It was a nervy first half but the top-flight team controlled the game well overall, with 61% ball possession and more shots on target.

However, despite this setback, Holstein Kiel will go into this second leg in confident mood. During the regular season, only champions Dusseldorf took more points at home in the 2. Bundesliga and Kiel will be able use their offensive strength to their advantage, having scored a league-high 36 goals on home soil.

Holstein Kiel are capable in attack and have a real chance of turning their fortunes around. Markus Anfang’s side have a tremendous recent record on home soil, winning eight, drawing seven and losing only two at Holstein Stadium in the regular season. Meanwhile, Wolfsburg only had three wins in their 17 away fixtures, with seven draws and seven defeats. I’m backing Holstein Kiel to win this second leg on Sunday.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – WOLFSBURG

Holstein Kiel have conceded the opening goal in four of their last five league matches. With that in mind, I fancy Wolfsburg to score first at Holstein Stadium.

HEAD TO HEAD

Wolfsburg’s 3-1 home win on Thursday has been the teams’ only recent professional encounter.