Bayern München vs Holstein Kiel preview: League leaders look to maintain gap

Bayern München resume Bundesliga action on Saturday, aiming to preserve their six-point lead at the top of the table as they welcome Holstein Kiel to Allianz Arena.

Bayern München

Bayern struggled to generate chances in their last Bundesliga match against Freiburg, managing just two big opportunities, a figure well below their season average of nearly five per game across their first 18 league fixtures.

Despite that, Vincent Kompany’s side remains a formidable attacking force, having netted 29 goals in their last 10 matches, averaging nearly three per game. However, defensive concerns persist, with the team managing only two clean sheets in their last eight league outings. 

While Kompany has enjoyed domestic success, his Champions League campaign has been scrutinised, as Bayern’s 3-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday was only enough to secure a round of 16 playoff spot rather than direct qualification.

The Bavarians will take confidence from their dominant 6-1 victory over Holstein Kiel earlier this season, where they stormed to a three-goal lead within the first 13 minutes. They also come into the match in strong form, having won six of their last seven matches across all competitions. Their home record has been exceptional in 2024-25, with 12 wins and one draw in 13 games at Allianz Arena, their only defeat coming in a 1-0 DFB-Pokal loss to Bayer Leverkusen in December.

Team News

Bayern will be without left-back Alphonso Davies due to a hamstring injury, while defender Hiroki Ito and goalkeeper Daniel Peretz also remain sidelined. Raphael Guerreiro is expected to continue at left-back, with Konrad Laimer, Dayot Upamecano, and Kim Min-jae forming the defensive line ahead of Manuel Neuer. 

In midfield, Leon Goretzka’s absence due to a hamstring issue means Joshua Kimmich is likely to partner Aleksandar Pavlović in the centre of the pitch.

Holstein Kiel

Kiel arrive at Allianz Arena after scoring twice against Champions League-chasing Wolfsburg despite managing just 0.22 xG and two shots on target. They remain in deep relegation trouble, occupying one of the Bundesliga’s two automatic relegation spots, though they sit just two points behind 16th-placed Heidenheim, who hold the relegation playoff position.

Head coach Marcel Rapp will take encouragement from his side’s recent attacking improvement, with Kiel scoring 14 goals in their last five league matches, matching their total from their first 14 games of the season. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern, as they have conceded 11 goals in their last five outings. 

Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five, but they had previously endured a five-game losing streak. Their struggles on the road continue to be a major issue, as they have won just once in 11 away matches this season, losing seven and drawing three of their last 10 away games.

Team News

Holstein Kiel will be missing suspended midfielder Nicolai Remberg, while Marvin Schulz faces a late fitness test. In their absence, Lewis Holtby, Magnus Knudsen, and Armin Gigović could feature in midfield. Up front, Steven Skrzybski and Phil Harres are expected to start, as Alexander Bernhardsson remains sidelined with a knee injury until March. 

Defensive absences are also a concern, with Patrick Erras, Carl Johansson, and Colin Kleine-Bekel all dealing with injuries, likely leaving Timo Becker, David Zec, and Marco Komenda to form the backline.