Holstein Kiel - Arminia Bielefeld

Holstein Kiel too strong for struggling Bielefeld

TEAM NEWS

Arne Sicker, Aaron Seydel, Steven Lewerenz, Masaya Okugawa and Philipp Sander continue to be out at Holstein Kiel. 

Bielefeld's Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Joan Simun Edmundsson, Roberto Massimo and Cedric Brunner have all been ruled out.

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Arne Sicker, Philipp Sander (both unspecified); Aaron Seydel (heel), Steven Lewerenz (back), Masaya Okugawa (pulled muscle)

Bielefeld

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nils Quaschner, Sven Schipplock, Cedric Brunner (all knee); Joan Simun Edmundsson (ligament), Roberto Massimo (not fit)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Holstein Kiel are one of the in-form sides in Germany’s second division at the moment, having won five, drawn three and lost only one of their last nine league games. Having been unbeaten since early October (four wins, three draws), the team are quickly moving up the table and are now sitting in fourth, knocking on the door of the promotion/relegation playoff place. Kiel are coming off a 2-0 win away form home to Dresden, their third league win on the bounce.

Having gone nine league games without a win, drawing three and losing six, Jeff Saibene’s Bielefeld have been moving to the complete opposite end of the table, although they have been stable over the last five rounds, occupying 15^thplace, despite clinching only three points from the last 12 on offer. Since winning 2-1 away to Darmstadt back in late September, they have not been able to grab another victory, losing six and drawing three times. However, back-to-back draws against Paderborn away (2-2) and Sandhausen at home (1-1) over the last two rounds have shown that the team are improving.

Holstein Kiel have been solid at home where they are still unbeaten this term with three wins and four draws. They are generally in very good shape and I can see them nicking this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – HOME WIN

Holstein Kiel have been leading at the interval in two of their last three league games. Bielefeld, meanwhile, have failed to score a first-half goal in their last four league fixtures. Back Holstein Kiel to be winning at half time.

HEAD TO HEAD

There have been only four league meetings between these sides, with Holstein Kiel winning twice and two draws.