SC Paderborn - Holstein Kiel

Paderborn to edge past Holstein Kiel at Benteler Arena

TEAM NEWS

Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team to choose from. 

Holstein Kiel's Arne Sicker, Mathias Honsak and Philipp Sander are sidelined while Aaron Seydel is out with a heel injury.

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Arne Sicker, Philipp Sander (both unspecified); Mathias Honsak (broken arm), Aaron Seydel (heel)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Paderborn have made an excellent start to their campaign, having returned to Germany’s second division after securing second place in the third tier last term. After 12 league matches, Paderborn have won four, drawn five and lost three to sit in eighth place on 17 points. However, they fell to their third away defeat against Duisburg last time out, losing 2-0, even though they were the better side. Nevertheless, they are still unbeaten on home soil with two wins and four draws, and they will be looking for their next home win against last year's high-flying Holstein Kiel.

Holstein Kiel were one of the standout teams in Germany’s second tier last season, going on to finish in third spot. However, Tim Walter’s side have spent the majority of this campaign languishing in the middle of the table. Last weekend they were very lucky to come back from 2-0 down against bottom-side Ingolstadt, drawing 2-2, but fatigue was a factor to take into account following their 2-1 shock cup win over top-flight side Freiburg only a few days beforehand. They have secured only four points from the last 15 on offer on the road in league action.

A trip to Benteler Arena is never an easy one, with Paderborn one of only four remaining teams who are still undefeated on their own turf. I expect them to maintain that record, especially given Holstein Kiel's away form, and can see this one ending with a home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH

Both of the teams' last two league meetings in the third division two years ago saw three total goals or more. I predict another goal-fest.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time in the second division. Their most recent league encounter took place in the third tier in 2016-17 when Holstein Kiel won 2-1 at home and 3-1 away