Jahn Regensburg - Holstein Kiel

Holstein Kiel to claim narrow victory

TEAM NEWS

Jahn Regensburg's Oliver Hein and Sebastian Nachreiner are both out with a knee injury. However, Achim Beierlorzer can still choose from a good squad for this encounter.

The injured Arne Sicker and Philipp Sander will not be available for the encounter at Continental Arena while Johannes van den Bergh is sidelined with suspension.

Jahn Regensburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Oliver Hein, Sebastian Nachreiner (both knee)

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: Johannes van den Bergh

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Arne Sicker, Philipp Sander (both unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

After a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ingolstadt in their opening league game, Jahn Regensburg were brought back down to earth with a bang two weeks ago. Achim Beierlorzer’s team were outplayed by newly-promoted Paderborn and lost deservedly 2-0 at Benteler-Arena. The side certainly have the ability to bounce back, but are coming off yet another disappointing result as they were knocked out by fifth tier side BSG Chemie Leipzig in the cup last weekend, losing 2-1. Their full focus will be on the league now where they have won seven and lost two of the last nine league matches at Continental Arena, last season included.

Despite plenty of key players leaving this summer, Tim Walter’s Holstein Kiel have made a fine start to their 2. Bundesliga campaign. Their excellent 3-0 win at giants Hamburg in round one was a big surprise and followed up by a 1-1 home draw against Heidenheim. They continued their good run with a 3-1 cup triumph away at 3. Bundesliga side 1860 Munich to advance to the next stage of the competition. The Storks were the third best team in 2. Bundesliga last season and have the potential to reach a similar place again.

Regensburg have certainly not set the world alight so far this term, and should be the underdogs against Holstein Kiel despite enjoying the home advantage. I expect Holstein Kiel to continue the seven-match unbeaten run (five wins, two draws) against Jahn Regensburg and my money is going on a Kiel win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – HOLSTEIN KIEL

Holstein Kiel have scored the first goal against Jahn Regensburg in their last six encounters in league action. I believe they will be the first team on the scoresheet once again.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two have only met twice in the second division, with Holstein Kiel beating Jahn Regensburg 2-1 away from home and holding them to a 1-1 draw on home soil last season.