Over the last six years Holstein Kiel have beaten Stuttgart twice in four head-to-head meetings, losing to them in only one match. However, the gap between the clubs at the moment is huge: the hosts are stuck in the lower half of the 2. Bundesliga standings, while Stuttgart have established themselves in the top four of the Bundesliga.
Holstein Kiel
On Saturday Holstein Kiel failed to beat SpVgg Greuther Fürth at home (1:2) – this opponent are bottom of the 2. Bundesliga. Since being relegated from the Bundesliga, they have had major problems in terms of performances, collecting only 14 points from 10 matches in their division (only three teams have fewer). In the DFB-Pokal, the hosts have got past an inconsistent Wolfsburg (1:0) and Hamburger (2:1 after penalties).
Stuttgart
Stuttgart are an opponent of a completely different level. Since the beginning of December, they have recorded four wins in five away matches, losing only to AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico (0:2). The Swabians are currently on a three-match winning run: last week, after a physically demanding match against Young Boys (3:2), they edged Freiburg in a difficult game (1:0), generating 1.79 xG over 90 minutes with 69% possession.
Holstein Kiel vs Stuttgart Prediction
Last season Holstein Kiel took points off Stuttgart at home (2:2) and were competitive away (1:2). But now the visitors are far too strong, and this should be evident from the opening stages.
