Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Holstein Kiel preview: Gladbach look to continue home run | OneFootball

Borussia Mönchengladbach

The hosts' recent clash with Borussia Dortmund offered limited opportunities, with both teams managing to create just one big chance each. Gladbach's, in particular, arose from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.

Manager Gerardo Seoane naturally voiced his frustration regarding the attacking no-show, whilst expressing satisfaction with his side's defensive performance.

“I don't really have any complaints about how we defended. I'm less happy with our attacking performance; we made too many technical mistakes and failed to take advantage of good situations.”

Die Fohlen currently trail the European positions in the Bundesliga by just three points. And, despite being winless in their last two, only one defeat has been suffered in five.

Gladbach have also been fantastic at home in recent times, boasting a record of four wins and a draw in their last five fixtures at Borussia Park.

Team News

Gladbach remain without two key players heading into the weekend, with Florian Neuhaus and Armenian forward Grant-Leon Ranos remaining sidelined. Neuhaus, in particular, finds himself edging closer to a return to the fold.

Tim Kleindienst will lead the line, while Rocco Reitz and Philipp Sandler are likely to form the midfield pairing due to the suspension of Julian Weigl. Winger Tomas Cvancara is also unavailable after being sent off last time out against Dortmund.

With doubts surrounding defender Luca Netz, the backline could involve Joe Scally, Nico Elvedi, Ko Itakura and Lukas Ulrich.

Holstein Kiel

Kiel missed a golden opportunity last weekend to capitalise on the recent poor form of RB Leipzig, who had lost three of their previous four matches prior to their trip up north.

Despite creating two big chances alongside 17 efforts from inside the box, Kiel failed to find the back of the net.

Kiel carry the second-worst defensive record in the Bundesliga, having conceded 33 goals in their opening 13 matches since promotion. They also find themselves in a precarious position points-wise, trailing 16th-placed Heidenheim by five points whilst sitting sixth away from fellow promoted side St. Pauli.

Marcel Rapp's side is enduring a dismal run of form, securing just one win across the whole season thus far and suffering seven defeats in their last eight. These struggles are even more pronounced away from home, where Kiel have lost their last four while being able to secure just two draws alongside a defeat in the three prior.

Team News

Marcel Rapp faces significant defensive challenges, with centre-backs Colin Kleine-Bekel and Marco Komenda both being ruled out alongside wing-back Timo Becker.

Pattrick Erras is also a huge doubt after suffering a concussion. These absences may force Rapp's hand into fielding a back three consisting of Mark Ivezig, Marvin Schulz and Max Geschwill.