Holstein Kiel vs Bochum prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2025-02-08 14:30.
[p]Relegation seems more likely by the round for Holstein Kiel, whose first season in the Bundesliga took yet another dire turn after a 4-3 defeat against Bayern Munich despite a spirited late effort from 4-0 down. Now without a win in three games (D1, L2) and entering this round six points adrift of the final position of safety, Kiel have at least picked up 75% of their paltry 12 point haul here this season.[/p]
[p]That percentage may yet rise further in what will be the first Bundesliga home H2H against rock-bottom Bochum – a side Kiel have never lost against at home in the second tier (W3, D1). This may very well be a second-tier clash once again next season given the trajectory of both sides, although the Storksâ healthy return of ten goals across their last three home league games (W2, L1) suggests the tide may be turning for Marcel Rappâs men. [/p]
[p]Sitting two points below their hosts are Bochum, who also appear doomed to a second-tier return after a four-season stint in the Bundesliga unless they can put together a miraculous run of form. Boss Dieter Hecking at least takes a solid, if uninspiring personal record against Kiel into this clash (W1, D3, L1), although his side arrive here having lost back-to-back games âto nilâ.[/p]
[p]Putting Bochumâs return into perspective is the fact that theyâre one of the three worst-ever Bundesliga sides at this stage since the introduction of three points for a win, along with FĂŒrth and Schalke earlier this decade. Possibly the largest contributing factor to Bochumâs rapid descent has been their torrid away league record this season (D1, L9) losing four of their last five such games without scoring.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Steven Skrzybski has scored three goals across his last two Kiel appearances, all of which came on or beyond the 80th minute after being introduced as a second-half substitute. Philipp Hofmann hasnât scored in any of his last three appearances, yet he may fancy his chances here after making seven goal contributions in eight H2Hs against Kiel (G3, A4). [/p]
[p]Hot streak: In the last four Bundesliga games in which bottom faced second-bottom, the last-placed side remained unbeaten (W3, D1). [/p]
[p][i]Written by Matthew Billon[/i][/p]