1 Holstein Kiel vs 6 FC Bayern München
Bayern in search of third successive win in trip to Holstein Kiel.
Bundesliga newcomers Holstein Kiel brace for a formidable challenge as they aim to break their losing streak against the reigning champions, Bayern Munich, this Saturday at Holstein-Stadion.
Holstein Kiel
Goals from Maximilian Arnold (27’) and centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw (30’), three minutes apart, saw Bundesliga debutants Holstein Kiel suffer back-to-back league defeats with a 2-0 loss to Werder Bremen on Match Day 2. Having no points ahead of MD3, Kiel sit in the relegation playoff spot.
With a game against Bayern Munich up next, Marcel Rapp could see the winless run grow to three games. Die Störche will become the 56th side Bayern faces in the competition, marking their second competitive match after an earlier encounter in the DFB Pokal in 2020/21.
While a weekend victory appears near impossible, Holstein Kiel will look to capitalize on the Bavarians’ leaky defence on the road, which has seen them concede in their last 12 Bundesliga trips. However, Marcel Rapp’s side also have defensive worries of their own, having conceded five times in just two games, a league high right behind Stuttgart and Augsburg, both with six goals conceded.
A 3—4—1—2 formation with Benedikt Pichler and Shuto Machino in attack is expected against Bayern Munich.
FC Bayern München
Bayern are one of three sides to have won both opening games, following a 2-0 victory against Freiburg on Match Day 2. Thomas Müller came off the bench not only to secure the game but also to achieve a personal milestone with his 475th Bundesliga appearance for Bayern Munich.
Vincent Kompany called the win 'another step forward.' While the Bavarians hope for a third successive win, a troubling defensive trend could hinder their progress. No other side in the Bundesliga has conceded more goals on the road than Bayern in the current calendar year [2024].
Despite losing their most recent game against a Bundesliga debutant, Bayern aim to extend a nine-game winning run against their upcoming opponent, who they will be facing in the competition for the first time. A 4-2-3-1 formation with Harry Kane in attack is expected. The Englishman, who recently scored twice in England’s 2-0 win over Finland, has returned to Vincent Kompany’s matchday squad alongside Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, who was on target in Germany’s 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
Team form
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