Bundesliga | Gameweek 25

Mar 8, 2025 at 2.30pm UK

Holstein-Stadion

Holstein Kiel vs Stuttgart

Match preview

Holstein will go into the game with renewed optimism, hoping their 1-0 win at Union can serve as a springboard for a revival in their fight against relegation.

Marcel Rapp's side were the more clinical side, despite their opponents having four more shots on goal than them with 14, with each side registering three on target, but Amin Gigovic's 42nd-minute strike was enough to end a six-game winless streak that had seen two draws and four defeats.

Another positive for Holstein was their resilience at the back, a trait that has been lacking for much of the season, as the win was the Storks' only clean sheet in 15 league games.

KSV, who are making their debut in the Bundesliga, will be looking to build on those improvements as they go in search of their first back-to-back top-flight wins on Saturday.

The debutants will take confidence from their last home meeting with Stuttgart, a 3-2 victory in May 2020 when both sides were in the second tier.

However, KSV's performances at Holstein-Stadion this season offer little encouragement, with just 10 points from 12 Bundesliga home games (W3, D1, L8) - a record bettered by only one top-flight newcomer since 1990, Greuther Furth in 2012-13 (four).

Meanwhile, Stuttgart will travel to Holstein in search of a league double, having won 2-1 in the reverse fixture in October, the first-ever Bundesliga meeting between the two sides.

However, Stuttgart's recent form has been underwhelming, with one draw and two defeats in their last three matches.

Stuttgart's latest setback - a 3-1 defeat to leaders Bayern Munich last Friday - was their eighth loss of the campaign, already surpassing the seven they suffered in the entire 2023-24 season.

The Reds have struggled to match last season's heroics, finishing second on 73 points, and their latest slip has seen them drop to ninth on 36 points, two behind sixth-placed RB Leipzig, who occupy the final European spot.

Stuttgart's recent struggles have been due to their inability to hold onto leads, having dropped points from winning positions in each of their last three games, adding to the eight they have dropped in the second half of the season - already more than the five they dropped before the halfway point.

Despite these shortcomings, Sebastian Hoeness' side have enjoyed a solid run of form on the road, winning three of their last five Bundesliga away games, and the visitors will look to that record for inspiration as they look to get back to winning ways this weekend.

Recent Performance

Holstein Kiel Bundesliga form:DLDLLW

Stuttgart Bundesliga form:LLWLDL

Stuttgart form (all competitions):LWWLDL

Team News

Holstein's hard-fought victory against Union came with a significant setback, as injuries to defender David Zec and goalkeeper Timon Weiner have raised serious questions about their fitness for Saturday's game. The uncertainty surrounding their availability has cast a shadow over the team's preparations.

In response to these injuries, Thomas Dahne is anticipated to step into the crucial role between the goalposts. Meanwhile, Marko Ivezic is likely to be deployed in a three-man defensive line, providing much-needed stability at the back.

KSV's injury woes are far from over, as Ivan Nekic, Finn Porath, and John Tolkin are all still recovering from muscle problems. Their absence has undoubtedly weakened the squad's depth and versatility. To make matters worse, Carl Johansson remains sidelined with a persistent knee injury, and Alexander Bernhardsson continues his long road to recovery from a patellar tendon injury, leaving the team short-handed in key positions.

On a more positive note, Colin Kleine-Bekel is gradually edging closer to a comeback from his ACL injury, offering a glimmer of hope for the team's future. However, Patrick Erras continues to struggle with a concussion that has plagued him for weeks, and his availability remains uncertain.

In contrast, Stuttgart emerged from their clash with Bayern unscathed, with the list of expected absentees limited to Dan-Axel Zagadou (knee), Luca Raimund (muscle), and Ameen Al Dakhil. The centre-back, however, is on the verge of returning from a thigh problem, which could provide a much-needed boost to the team's defensive options.

Adding to the optimism at Stuttgart, El Bilal Toure has resumed training following a foot injury, but his inclusion in the matchday squad will depend on passing a crucial fitness test. His return to full fitness could significantly strengthen the team's attacking options.

In the meantime, coach Hoeness may choose to stick with the same lineup that has shown promise in recent matches, keeping Deniz Undav and Nick Woltemade together in a formidable two-man attack. This decision could provide stability and continuity as the team looks to build on their recent performances and secure a positive result.

Possible starting lineup

Holstein Kiel possible starting lineup:

Dahne; Ivezic, Becker, Komenda; Rosenboom, Knudsen, Remberg, Gigovic, Geschwill; Harres, Machino

Stuttgart possible starting lineup:

Nubel; Vagnoman, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Leweling, Karazor, Stiller, Fuhrich; Undav, Woltemade