Champions Bayer Leverkusen are in urgent need of three points against struggling Holstein Kiel to maintain their slim chances of retaining their title.
Holstein Kiel faced a difficult match last time out against Eintracht Frankfurt, suffering a 3-1 defeat. Despite currently sitting at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, Kiel is only one point away from 16th place Heidenheim, who occupy the relegation playoff position.
Marcel Rapp's team has been winless in their last five matches, recording two draws and three losses. Nevertheless, Kiel has enjoyed a positive record in their last four home games, amassing seven points and including a notable victory against Borussia Dortmund. Over this span, they have scored 12 goals and conceded eight.
In terms of team news, the hosts are dealing with injuries to several players, including Patrick Erras, Colin Kleine-Beckel, Carl Johansson, Ivan Nekic, and John Tolkin. Finn Porath is also expected to miss out, along with forwards Alexander Bernhardsson, Benedikt Pichler, and Steven Skryzbski.
Bayer Leverkusen experienced frustration in their match against league leaders Bayern München, where they hit the woodwork twice and restricted Bayern to just two shots on target, yet failed to win, leaving them five points behind the leaders.
To keep their Bundesliga title hopes alive, the visitors require a victory, particularly with Bayern facing a challenging match against Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend. Leverkusen has struggled recently, failing to secure victory in four of their last seven outings, which include three draws and one loss. However, they have achieved nine wins in their last 12 Bundesliga matches.
On the injury front, the champions will be missing Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier for the remainder of the season.
0 Comments