Holstein Kiel – Hertha BSC

Holstein Kiel host league leaders Hertha BSC in what promises to be a stark contrast of form. The Kiel side sit 16th with just four points from six games – no wins, four draws and two defeats, and a modest –3 goal difference (seven scored, ten conceded). Hertha sit atop the table on 18 points, having won all six of their matches, scoring 17 and conceding only seven for a healthy +10 margin. The gap of 14 points underscores the challenge for the hosts, who will need to tighten up defensively to have any chance of upsetting the unbeaten champions. A positive result for Kiel could be crucial in their fight to escape the bottom three, while Hertha will look to maintain their perfect record and extend their lead at the summit.