Bayern in search of third successive win in trip to Holstein Kiel.

2024-09-15

Bundesliga newcomers Holstein Kiel aim to defy the odds and secure their first points of the season against Bayern Munich, whose vulnerable away defense adds a layer of intrigue to their encounter at Holstein-Stadion this Saturday.

Holstein Kiel

Goals from Maximilian Arnold and center-back Sebastiaan Bornauw, scored three minutes apart, led to Bundesliga debutants Holstein Kiel facing back-to-back league defeats following a 2-0 loss to Werder Bremen on Match Day 2. Having no points ahead of Match Day 3, Kiel are positioned in the relegation playoff spot.

With a game against Bayern Munich up next, Marcel Rapp could see the winless run extend to three games. While *Die Störche* will become the 56th side Bayern would face in the competition, this will be the second time both sides compete against each other in a competitive match, following an earlier encounter in the DFB Pokal in 2020/21.

While a weekend victory appears nearly impossible, Holstein Kiel will be looking to capitalize on the Bavarians' leaky defense on the road, which has seen them concede in their last 12 Bundesliga trips. However, Marcel Rapp's side also have defensive concerns, having conceded five times in just two games, which is a league high right behind Stuttgart and Augsburg, both having conceded six goals.

A formation of 3—4—1—2, with Benedikt Pichler and Shuto Machino in attack, is expected against Bayern Munich. The upcoming match will test their resolve against a formidable opponent.

FC Bayern München

Bayern are one of the three sides to have won both opening games, following a 2-0 win against Freiburg on Match Day 2. Thomas Müller came off the bench not only to secure the victory but also to mark his record 475th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern Munich.

Vincent Kompany described the win as 'another step forward.' Despite aiming for a third successive win, Bayern's defensive vulnerabilities could pose a threat to their success. No other side in the Bundesliga has conceded more goals on the road than Bayern in the current calendar year.

While they lost their most recent match against a Bundesliga debutant, Bayern will aim to extend their nine-game winning streak against new opponents in the competition. A 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Harry Kane in attack is anticipated. Kane, who scored both goals in England’s recent 2-0 victory over Finland, will be returning to the squad with Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich.