Bundesliga Preview:Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim,Game 18

  • FlashFootball 2025/01/18 06:26
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Bundesliga | Gameweek 18

Jan 18, 2025 at 2.30pm UK

Holstein-Stadion

Holstein Kiel vs Hoffenheim


Match preview

Sitting second from bottom with a dismal 11 points, Holstein Kiel face the daunting task of staving off relegation this term as the Storks have endured a torrid campaign, recording a meagre three wins, two draws and 12 defeats in 17 Bundesliga appearances this term.


The home side began the campaign in unimpressive fashion, going winless in their first eight matches (two draws and six defeats), but ended their winless run with a 1-0 victory over Heidenheim at the Holstein Stadium on 2 November.


The Kiel side seemed to have found their stride with that victory, but a five-game winless streak soon followed, deepening their woes.


Although Marcel Rapp's side did manage to end 2024 on a high with a 5-1 victory over Augsburg, they were unable to maintain the momentum and suffered another defeat against Freiburg (3-2) in their penultimate league outing, which was followed by a famous 4-2 win over former champions Borussia Dortmund.

While the win in their last outing will be a huge morale-booster, it remains to be seen whether the Storks will be able to secure back-to-back victories for the first time this season against Hoffenheim, who are yet to win away from home this season.


A win on Saturday may not be enough to lift them out of the relegation zone altogether, but it will certainly help their bid to stay in the top flight next season.


Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are on a six-game winless streak in the Bundesliga, with their last three league outings ending in defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach (2-1), Wolfsburg (1-0) and Bayern Munich (5-0).


In an attempt to stem the rot at the club, Pellegrino Matarazzo was relieved of his duties, paving the way for the appointment of Christian Ilzer on 15 November.