Holstein Kiel vs Werder Bremen preview: Hosts looking for second home win

Holstein Kiel 

Last time out, Holstein Kiel were left in the dust by Heidenheim as they leapfrogged the north German side by beating them 3-1 thanks to a goal from new signing Budu Zivzivadze.

Both Werder Bremen and Kiel have been in poor form in 2025, with the sides sitting in the bottom two spots for points accrued this calendar year.

Alongside this, both sides have conceded the two highest amounts of goals this season (53 for Bremen and 64 for Kiel), so it can be expected that there will be goals in the tie.

However, not all is negative for Kiel as they will hope that the local rivalry (in spite of this fixture not really being counted as a derby) will spur them on to gain bragging rights in the area.

Holstein Kiel striker Phil Harres scored in the last tie against Heidenheim and has eight goals so far this Bundesliga campaign, and will surely prove a threat on Saturday.

Ahead of the tie, Kiel coach Marcel Rapp said: “Bremen are a very structured team with clearly defined movement patterns. Anything can happen in this game, especially if we're talking about Holstein Kiel.”

Team news

Kiel are without Patrick Erras, Andu Kelati, Ivan Nekić and Colin Kleine-Bekel all due to injury.

Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen have been the worst Bundesliga team in 2025 with only eight points this calendar year. 

Due to poor results, Bremen coach Ole Werner would have been put under even more pressure had they not had such a solid Hinrunde (first-leg of the season).

In spite of this, Werder Bremen have been good on the road this season with notable positive away results including a 4-2 win over Wolfsburg and a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

German attacker Marvin Ducksch has dipped in form slightly this season for Bremen but has still managed six goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga although his team sit three points better off than last season.

Another notable standout player this campaign has been former 1. FC Köln academy player Mitchell Weiser who has four goals and five assists from the right-hand side of defence.

Ahead of the tie against Kiel, Werder Bremen coach Ole Werner said: “I have been keeping an eye on Kiel this season. However, We have our own problems to deal with and it is important to get three points here. 

He added: "I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the rest of the season (after this game) for Kiel and that they can do well.”

Team news

Miloš Veljković is the only absentee for Bremen after the international break.