Match Preview vs Holstein Kiel

Our Opponents: 

Holstein Kiel are enjoying a pretty normal season as 2. Bundesliga football goes. Although the side don’t look like they can now challenge for promotion, they are also a long way from the relegation places and sit comfortably in mid-table. Since the Rückrunde began at the end of January though, all hasn’t been plain sailing. Just the two victories for Marcel Rapp’s team against Fürth and Eintracht Braunschweig with some poor results inbetween, including a defeat to Regensburg last time out. As usual many former HSV players sit in the Kiel ranks with Jan Fiete Arp the most notable playing his career out at the Holstein-Stadion. Kiel will always have in their back pocket that they are unbeaten at the Volksparkstadion since the relegation to the 2. Liga for HSV, maybe this will be the game it changes. 

Match Facts:

Home run to be continued 

HSV has played 3 home games in the calendar year 2023, all 3 were won. Overall, the Red Shorts even have a run of 5 home victories in a row to show for it. In view of the outstanding support, however, this is no wonder, as there were always more than 50,000 spectators in the Volksparkstadion for the 5 home victories. For the northern duel against KSV Holstein, even more than 56,000 fans are expected, so a completely full Volkspark is absolutely within the realm of possibility. But beware: since their relegation to the 2. Bundesliga (2018), HSV have not been able to win a home match against Holstein Kiel (3 draws, 1 defeat).

Chances Galore

Measured by the xGoals values, which calculate the goal probability on a statistical basis, two top teams meet tomorrow, Saturday (18 March, from 13.15 live on HSVnetradio). According to the statistics, HSV created chances for 42.3 goals (third best value in the league), KSV even had opportunities for 45.4 goals (second place in the league). But there is an important catch: The Red Shorts have overperformed in terms of exploitation and have scored 46 goals, while Kiel have only scored 41. There will definitely be a lot of action in the penalty areas! 

Strong Set-Piece Takers. 

When the ball is not in play, the Rothosen have to be wide awake. Because: Holstein Kiel has scored the most set piece goals in the league. 14 goals (34% of all goals scored this season) are on the books, only 1. FC Kaiserslautern can keep up. HSV, on the other hand, have only scored 5 goals from set pieces, which is only enough for 14th place in the league. But: Walter's charges have scored the most goals from play (41) and have only conceded 2 goals after an opponent's resting ball - that is the top value.