Holstein Kiel vs VfL Bochum preview: Relegation six-pointer looms | OneFootball

Holstein Kiel

Holstein Kiel manager Marcel Rapp saw his side fall 4-0 behind against Bayern München last time out, before rallying late with three goals, though their inability to convert early chances proved costly.

Defensive issues remain a major concern for the Storks, who have conceded 19 goals in their last seven matches. However, they are only two points behind 16th-placed Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation playoff spot, and a victory could significantly improve their survival hopes.

Despite losing eight of their last 11 matches, Kiel have taken a turn for the better recently, winning one and drawing two of their past three outings. Their home form has been more encouraging, winning two of their last three fixtures at Holstein-Stadion while scoring ten goals in those matches.

Team News

Kiel will be without center-backs Colin Kleine-Beckel and Patrick Erras until late February, while Carl Johansson is expected to return in early March.

Timo Becker, David Zec, and Marco Komenda are likely to form the defensive line, with Magnus Knudsen and Nicolai Remberg providing midfield support.

In attack, Alexander Bernhardsson remains sidelined with a ligament injury, meaning Finn Porath and Steven Skrzybski are expected to play behind striker Phil Harres.

Bochum

Bochum struggled offensively against Freiburg, failing to create a single big chance while allowing five against them. Holstein Kiel held them to a 2-2 draw in their previous meeting on September 21, with Shuto Machino salvaging a late equaliser.

Dieter Hecking’s tenure as Bochum’s head coach began on November 9, and while his team has found the net eight times since his appointment, they have also conceded 15 goals and failed to score in six games.

Bochum have lost their last two Bundesliga fixtures, but prior to that, they had shown signs of improvement by winning two and drawing two of their previous five. However, their dreadful away record remains a pressing issue, having lost 10 of their 11 matches on the road this season.

Team News

For Bochum, midfielder Ibrahima Sissoko is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, with Matus Bero and Tom Krauss likely to replace him.

Winger Koji Miyoshi’s calf injury could keep him out until March, paving the way for Myron Boadu and Gerrit Holtmann to support Philipp Hofmann in the attack.