Hamburger SV VS Holstein Kiel, home win in title chase

Match Time：3/9/2021 03:30 Tuesday  (GMT+8)

German Bundesliga 2 --  Hamburger SV   VS   Holstein Kiel

Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips| Asian Handicap Odds|Line-ups& H2H Stats

-----------------------------------

TEAM NEWS

 

Defensive back Tim Leibold was shown red during Hamburg’s 1-0 loss at St. Pauli and will be suspended for Hamburg’s visit from Holstein Kiel. Midfielder Amadou Onana returns from his own one-game ban.

 

Stefan Thesker’s injury was diagnosed as a partial tear of his achilles tendon and missed Holstein Kiel’s 1-0 win over Aue last match; the central defender will be out for several weeks.

 

Hamburg

Suspended: Tim Leibold

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Toni Leistner (thigh), Klaus Gjasula (knee)

 

Holstein Kiel

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Noah Awuku (achilles), Johannes van den Bergh (muscle tear), Stefan Thesker (achilles)

 

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

 

After spending the last nine matchdays at the top of the table, Hamburg fell to St. Pauli, 1-0. A physical conflict in added time resulted in a red card for team captain Tim Leibold who will miss at least one game due to a pending suspension. Daniel Thioune’s club has taken just two points from their last four games and will have to shake the ghosts of recent 2. Bundesliga seasons during which the club faltered late after lengthy stays atop the table. Hamburg still strong in scoring, with 48 from their 23 league games to date.

 

Alexander Muhling converted a penalty in the 81st minute to give Holstein Kiel the only goal they would need to beat Aue 1-0 last weekend. Ole Werner’s crew lost their last away game in the league, but before that were unbeaten in their first ten road games of the league, winning six. Holstein Kiel also remains the league’s toughest defense, having allowed just 21 goals in 23 league games to date. The visitors had an extra midweek game this week, making a trip to Essen for their German Cup, which they won 3-0.

 

With Hamburg now on the outside of the promotion picture, this game is virtually a must-win for the hosts. In a battle of the league’s most-prolific attack against the league’s stingiest defense, give a slight edge to the better-rested home side to get the win and stay close to the league leaders.

 

HEAD TO HEAD

 

The last three meetings of these clubs have ended as draws, including last November’s 1-1 in Kiel. Hamburg has never beaten Holstein Kiel in last five meetings of 2. Bundesliga play.