Holstein Kiel vs Eintracht Frankfurt preview: Visitors in strong form
Holstein Kiel
The hosts played out a 2-2 draw against Bochum last time out, narrowly avoiding defeat thanks to Shuto Machino's 89th-minute equaliser.
Kiel enjoyed 56% possession, generated four clear-cut chances, and accumulated nearly two expected goals, more than double Bochum's xG total.
The Storks had lost their previous three league matches, including a heavy 6-1 defeat to Bayern München.
Despite some disappointing results, Marcel Rapp's side has shown promise, ranking ninth for big chances created and 12th for touches in the opposition's box.
Holstein Kiel remain winless in their four Bundesliga matches this season, having conceded 13 goals, more than any other team in the league.
Team News
The hosts have three injury issues, with centre-back Colin Kleine-Bekel sidelined until November due to a cruciate ligament injury, while fellow defender Patrick Erras is expected to return in early October.
Forward Alexander Bernhardsson remains a doubt for the match due to a thigh injury, though he hasn't been officially ruled out.
Kiel could stick with the same back three in front of goalkeeper Timon Weiner, with Timo Becker, Carl Johansson, and Max Geschwill likely to start again.
Eintracht Frankfurt
The visitors enter the match in strong form, having won their last three league games, including a 2-0 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach in their most recent outing.
Despite securing the win, Eintracht only had 33% possession and were perhaps fortunate not to concede, with Gladbach managing 16 shots, twice as many as the Eagles.
In their latest game, a 3-3 Europa League draw against Viktoria Plzen, Frankfurt let a 3-1 lead slip, with Plzen scoring in the 86th and 93rd minutes. Manager Dino Toppmöller expressed disappointment, attributing the result to overconfidence after going 3-1 up in the 67th minute and criticised his team's sloppiness, stressing he doesn't want to see a repeat of such an attitude.
This season, Frankfurt have won four, drawn one, and lost one of their six competitive matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding eight, with just one clean sheet.
However, their away form has been a concern, with only three wins, four draws, and seven losses in their last 14 Bundesliga road games.
Team News
Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp might return from a hip injury, though his availability remains uncertain.
Frankfurt are keeping an eye on the fitness of both Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch, who are close to making their comebacks.
However, midfielders Mehdi Loune and Oscar Hojlund remain sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury and a broken ankle, respectively. Loune could potentially return by the end of October.
Mario Götze is a doubt due to illness, which may see Ansgar Knauff, Ellyes Skhiri, Hugo Larsson, and Fares Chaibi form the midfield four against Kiel.