Holstein Kiel - FC Magdeburg

Narrow victory for Holstein Kiel

TEAM NEWS

Holstein Kiel's injured Arne Sicker and Philipp Sander will not be available for this encounter against Magdeburg.

Jens Hartel’s Magdeburg will yet again be without Manfred Kwadwo and Joel Hanna, who are still recovering from their injuries, while Charles Elie Laprevotte was injured a week ago and is sidelined for this encounter against Holstein Kiel.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

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

Magdeburg

Suspended: 

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Manfred Kwadwo, Joel Hanna (both pulled muscle); Charles Elie Laprevotte (thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Despite lot of changes in their personnel and plenty of speculation surrounding the club’s future over the course of the summer, Holstein Kiel have made a good start to their season. Before drawing with Heidenheim 1-1 two weeks ago and registering a lucky 0-0 at Continental Arena to Jahn Regensburg last Sunday, the Storks had won their opener against giants Hamburg 3-0. In addition, they advanced to the next round in the cup by beating 3. Bundesliga team 1860 Munich 3-1 away from home. Although it is unlikely that they will repeat their success from last season where they ended up in third place on 56 points, I do think they will be enjoying a good campaign once again. 

Magdeburg, meanwhile, have yet to win any of their four league and cup matches so far this season, drawing two and losing two. After being forced to exit the cup last Friday following a 1-0 home defeat against Darmstadt, Jens Hartel’s men were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Ingolstadt last Saturday. However, two points from a possible nine leaves FCM in a lowly 15^thplace in the table. Magdeburg were great on the road in the 3. Bundesliga last season (12 wins, one draw, six losses), with only Paderborn boasting a better record.

This could be an entertaining matchup at Holstein-Stadium, which could go either way. However, being at home, Holstein Kiel will fancy their chances of securing the points. I’m predicting a home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – EVEN 

Just one of Holstein Kiel's and one of Magdeburg's three league matches so far this season have produced odd total goals. Back even total goals here.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams will meet in the 2. Bundesliga for the first time. They last played each other in the third tier two years ago, with Magdeburg winning 1-0 at home and drawing 1-1 away.