Holstein Kiel vs Bayer Leverkusen preview: Champions look to keep slim hopes alive

Champions Bayer Leverkusen are in need of three points against strugglers Holstein Kiel if they are to keep their slim chances of retaining their crown alive.

Holstein Kiel

Kiel were thoroughly outclassed last time out against Eintracht Frankfurt, with the Storks losing 3-1.

However, despite their current dire situation sitting at the bottom of the Bundesliga, Kiel are just a single point away from 16th placed Heidenheim, who currently occupy the relegation playoff place. 

Marcel Rapp’s side are winless in their last five, drawing two and losing three along the way. However, they boast a positive record in their last four matches at home. 

The hosts have picked up seven points in their last four on home soil, including a fantastic win against Borussia Dortmund. They have scored 12 and conceded eight during this run. 

Team News

The hosts enter the weekend dealing with injuries to Patrick Erras, Colin Kleine-Beckel, Carl Johansson, Ivan Nekic and John Tolkin.

Finn Porath is also not expected to make the matchday squad, whilst forwards Alexander Bernhardsson, Benedikt Pichler and Steven Skryzbski are also unavailable.

Bayer Leverkusen

The champions were left incredibly frustrated against league leaders Bayern München last weekend. Despite hitting the woodwork twice and limiting the Bavarians to just two shots, Xabi Alonso’s men failed to secure three points and cut the gap at the top to five points. 

The visitors are left in need of a win to keep their slim hopes of a Bundesliga title charge alive. However, hopes will be carried given Bayern’s difficult clash against Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend. 

Failing to achieve victory in four of their seven most recent games, die Werkself have drawn three and lost one. However, they have secured wins in nine of their last 12 Bundesliga outings. 

Team News

The champions enter the weekend with just two real concerns, as Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier will miss the rest of the season.