Holstein Kiel 0-1 Wolfsburg - Bundesliga Qualification 2017/2018 Statistical Preview

Missing Players

Holstein Kiel

Wolfsburg

No missing players.

Player

Reason

Status

Admir Mehmedi

Out

Victor Osimhen

Out

Sebastian Jung

Out

Marcel Tisserand

Out

Paul Verhaegh

Doubtful

Daniel Didavi

Doubtful

Riechedly Bazoer

Doubtful

Paul Jaeckel

Doubtful

Team News

Holstein Kiel

Wolfsburg

Manager Markus Anfang could opt for a slightly more attack-minded line-up at home to overcome the 3-1 deficit from the first leg.
Alexander Mühling could replace defensive midfielder Dominic Peitz in this case, with David Kinsombi switching to a deeper position in midfield.
Aaron Seydel and Tom Weilandt challenge Steven Lewerenz for the spot on the left wing.
Otherwise, Kiel are unlikely to make any unforced changes, as no injuries or suspensions currently worry the side.

Paul Verhaegh should return from a head injury to start at right-back, with William probably switching over to the left again and Felix Uduokhai dropping to the bench.
Daniel Didavi is still suffering from an Achilles tendon injury and might be forced to sit out again, with Yunus Malli possibly getting another chance in central midfield.
Ignacio Camacho is fit again and offers a more defensive-minded option in central midfield, if manager Bruno Labbadia opts for a more careful approach on the road, however.
Jakub Blaszczykowski challenges Renato Steffen for the spot on the right wing.

Prediction

After a 3-1 defeat in the first leg, Kiel are under pressure to improve their conversion rate at home. They had several good chances in the latter stages of the match to at least score a second goal and had a claim for a penalty as well. Their defence let them down too often, though, and they have to be better balanced over 90 minutes at home.
Wolfsburg were the better team in the opening 60 minutes last time out and individual quality in attacking positions helped them to create a two-goal lead heading into the second leg. They gave away too many chances in the latter stages of the game, though, and looked more tired than their opponents, which could play a role here as well. Labbadia's side cannot rely on defending their lead and should go for an away goal here to put pressure on the hosts.
Expect this to be an intense and hard-fought game from the outset, with Kiel needing to score at least two goals to gain a second straight promotion. They would be the first Bundesliga club from Schleswig-Holstein in history and the 12,000-seat Holstein-Stadion will be in full voice to support their team. After no cards being shown in the first leg, the atmosphere here should create a more feisty and emotional game for both sides. Kiel are able to score more than once, but given their rather questionable defence are likely to concede when they have to open up. This could lead to Wolfsburg defending their Bundesliga status despite being under pressure from the hosts.

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Probable Lineups