Holstein Kiel vs. Mainz 05 preview: Can the visitors remain unbeaten on the road?

Holstein Kiel

Kiel have found life difficult in their first-ever Bundesliga campaign, having won one, drawn two and lost seven of their 10 matches. As a result of that record, Kiel head into matchday 11 in 17th position with three points separating them from the relegation playoff spot. The newly-promoted side took just two points from their first eight games, before they recorded a much-needed victory in their home meeting with Heidenheim. Patrick Erras scored the decisive goal to guide his side to their first-ever Bundesliga victory.

Unfortunately for Kiel, they were unable to build upon that result in their final outing before the international break. Marcel Rapp’s side looked set to play out a 1-1 draw with Bremen until Oliver Burke netted an 89th-minute winner to condemn Kiel to their third away defeat of the Bundesliga season. 

They will return to Holstein-Stadion for their first game back from the international break, with the hosts looking to claim a second straight home victory. Kiel’s most recent meeting with Mainz took place in October 2017 when they fell to a narrow 3-2 extra-time defeat in the DFB-Pokal.

Team News

The hosts are expected to be without the services of Magnus Knudsen, Colin Kleine-Bekel, Carl Johansson and Andu Kelati.

Mainz 05

Mainz begin matchday 11 in 10th position after winning three, drawing four and losing three of their 10 matches. Bo Henriksen’s side have proven to be a difficult team to beat in recent times, having lost just one of their previous five league matches (W2, D2). Die Nullfünfer began that run of fixtures with a 3-0 away win over St. Pauli, before they fell to a 2-0 home defeat against RB Leipzig.

After going to draw consecutive league games, Mainz returned to winning ways with an impressive victory over 10-man Borussia Dortmund. Mainz took full advantage of Emre Can’s 27th-minute red card to claim a 3-1 win thanks to goals from Lee Jae-sung, Jonathan Burkardt and Paul Nebel. Incidentally, that result represented their first Bundesliga home victory since they recorded another win over Dortmund back in May. 

While they have struggled at home, Mainz have enjoyed success on their travels this season, having won two and drawn two of their four away league matches. As a result, they are one of three teams yet to lose an away Bundesliga match this term.

Team News

The hosts are unable to call upon Karim Onisiwo and Nelson Weiper due to illness and injury respectively.