RB Leipzig vs. Holstein Kiel Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 19 April 2025 - bettingexpert
On 19 April 2025, RB Leipzig will host Holstein Kiel at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig in what is a crucial Bundesliga clash for both sides. Leipzig, sitting 4th in the league with 48 points, are pushing for a Champions League spot amidst fierce competition, while Holstein Kiel, at the bottom of the table with 18 points, are fighting desperately to avoid relegation.
Leipzig, managed by Zsolt Löw, have won three out of their last five matches. Striker Benjamin Sesko, who has netted 11 goals this season, will be key. Leipzig’s injury list, including notable absences like Xavi Simons due to suspension and Benjamin Henrichs, might impact their game.
Holstein Kiel, despite their poor run, have shown resilience by scoring in 79% of their matches this season. Their leading scorer Phil Harres, with 8 goals, will be instrumental as they look to exploit Leipzig’s vulnerability, particularly in the 46-60 minute interval where Leipzig tend to concede.
Given Leipzig’s superior form and position, they are the favourites, but Holstein Kiel’s determination to avoid the drop means this could be a tighter contest than expected. For bettors, a good shout might be Holstein Kiel to win with Draw No Bet, considering their fierce motivation.
Overall, expect a compelling match that plays a part in the broader narrative of their respective seasons.
RB Leipzig vs Holstein Kiel Prediction & Betting Tip
Given the stakes and current forms of both teams, it’s clear that RB Leipzig are the favorites heading into this clash. However, Holstein Kiel’s desperation to avoid relegation and Leipzig’s injury woes suggest that an upset could be on the horizon. Our recommended betting tip is “Holstein Kiel to win, Draw No Bet.”
| RB Leipzig vs Holstein Kiel Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Holstein Kiel to win, Draw No Bet | 8.23 |
- Holstein Kiel have scored in 79% of their matches this season, indicating their potential to impact the game.
- RB Leipzig are dealing with injuries to key players, which could affect their performance.
- The away team is highly motivated to avoid relegation, possibly giving them an extra edge.
Expect an intense battle at Red Bull Arena as both teams aim to accomplish their respective season goals.
RB Leipzig vs Holstein Kiel Odds
Let’s break down the betting odds for this Bundesliga clash at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig, where RB Leipzig will play host to Holstein Kiel.
| RB Leipzig vs Holstein Kiel Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| RB Leipzig | 1.31 |
| Draw | 5.77 |
| Holstein Kiel | 8.23 |
Given Leipzig’s superior league standing and home advantage, they are the favorites. However, Holstein Kiel’s fight against relegation and Leipzig’s injury woes might make this match more intriguing than the odds suggest.
Don’t rule out the underdogs; Holstein Kiel’s survival instinct could produce a surprising result.
RB Leipzig Team Analysis
RB Leipzig Recent Performance
RB Leipzig has showcased a mixed pattern in their recent fixtures, hinting at a team in a state of transition amidst highs and lows. With their eyes set on booking a Champions League spot, the home team will look to carry forward the winning momentum from their last fixtures in the Bundesliga.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wolfsburg | RB Leipzig | 2025-04-11 | Bundesliga | 2-3 (Win) |
| RB Leipzig | Hoffenheim | 2025-04-05 | Bundesliga | 3-1 (Win) |
| VfB Stuttgart | RB Leipzig | 2025-04-02 | DFB Pokal | 3-1 (Loss) |
| Borussia M’gladbach | RB Leipzig | 2025-03-29 | Bundesliga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| RB Leipzig | Borussia Dortmund | 2025-03-15 | Bundesliga | 2-0 (Win) |
Their recent form: LWWLW
Leipzig’s attack has been relatively sharp, boasting an average of 1.80 goals per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they have managed only one clean sheet, indicating room for improvement at the back. With Xavi Simons unavailable due to suspension and a clutch of injuries affecting key players, Leipzig will rely heavily on Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda to deliver the goods upfront. The mix of attacking prowess and defensive frailties will be something to watch as they take on Holstein Kiel.
RB Leipzig Key Players
RB Leipzig’s attacking spearhead, Benjamin Sesko, will undoubtedly be a focal point in this match. The Slovenian striker has been prolific this season, scoring 11 goals and being a constant threat to opposition defenses. Alongside him, Loïs Openda has shown his capability by finding the net consistently, as evidenced in their recent win over Wolfsburg. Xavi Simons’ absence due to suspension puts added pressure on other midfielders like Arthur Vermeeren and Nicolas Seiwald to step up.
Expected lineup for RB Leipzig:
- Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
- Defenders: Kosta Nedeljkovic, El Chadaille Bitshiabu, Castello Lukeba, Lukas Klostermann
- Midfielders: Ridle Baku, Arthur Vermeeren, Nicolas Seiwald, Christoph Baumgartner
- Forwards: Benjamin Sesko, Loïs Openda
Key individual battles will be Sesko against Holstein Kiel’s central defenders like Marko Ivezic, which could decide the game’s outcome.
RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries
RB Leipzig will be without several crucial players due to injuries and suspensions, which could impact their performance against Holstein Kiel.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Henrichs | Achilles tendon injury | Late May 2025 |
| Antonio Nusa | Knee injury | Late April 2025 |
| Xaver Schlager | Hamstring injury | Late April 2025 |
| Willi Orban | Muscle injury | About a week |
| David Raum | Muscle injury | About a week |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| ————- | ————– | —————— |
| Xavi Simons | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
The absences of key players like Xavi Simons and Benjamin Henrichs mean Leipzig might have to rely on less experienced squad members. This could lead to vulnerabilities, especially in their defensive setup and midfield control. The attacking prowess of their forward line, however, remains largely intact.
RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation
RB Leipzig Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Benjamin Sesko and Loïs Openda
- Midfield Strength: Ridle Baku and Nicolas Seiwald
- Defensive Setup: Led by El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Castello Lukeba
- Key Injuries: Benjamin Henrichs, Antonio Nusa, and Xaver Schlager
Leipzig will likely stick with a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing a balanced attack and solid midfield control. Despite crucial injuries, their tactical flexibility allows forwards like Sesko and Openda to create potent attacking opportunities, while Baku and Seiwald orchestrate the midfield. With a relatively strong backline, they aim to maintain possession and press high against Holstein Kiel’s defense.
Expect Leipzig to exploit wide areas and capitalize on counter-attacks, given their recent effective performance in similar setups.
Holstein Kiel Team Analysis
Holstein Kiel Recent Performance
Holstein Kiel’s recent form isn’t particularly inspiring, with their last five matches yielding no wins. They’ve managed two draws and suffered three losses, highlighting their struggles in the Bundesliga. This string of poor results underscores their current position at the bottom of the table.
Holstein Kiel has scored an average of 1.00 goal in their last five games but failed to keep any clean sheets. These performance metrics reflect the challenges they face both offensively and defensively.
Recent Matches:
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holstein Kiel | St. Pauli | 2025-04-12 | Bundesliga | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Mainz 05 | Holstein Kiel | 2025-04-05 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Holstein Kiel | Werder Bremen | 2025-03-29 | Bundesliga | 0-3 (Loss) |
| Holstein Kiel | Eintracht Braunschweig | 2025-03-20 | Club Friendlies | 2-2 (Draw) |
| FC Heidenheim | Holstein Kiel | 2025-03-16 | Bundesliga | 1-3 (Loss) |
Holstein Kiel will need to overturn their dismal form if they hope to steer clear of relegation. Their attack, led by Phil Harres, has been underwhelming, but any resurgence will hinge on tightening their defense.
Holstein Kiel Key Players
Holstein Kiel’s key players will need to step up if they are to overcome the odds against RB Leipzig. Leading the attack is their top scorer, Phil Harres, who has notched 8 goals this season. His clinical finishing will be crucial, especially when facing a robust Leipzig defense.
In midfield, Nicolai Remberg and Magnus Knudsen are pivotal, providing both defensive cover and attacking opportunities. Defensively, the likes of Carl Johansson and Marko Ivezic must be solid to thwart Leipzig’s dynamic forward line.
Holstein Kiel’s battle will likely hinge on Harres finding the net and the midfield containing Leipzig’s creativity.
Expected lineup for Holstein Kiel:
- Goalkeeper: Thomas Dähne
- Defenders: Carl Johansson, David Zec, Marko Ivezic
- Midfielders: Lasse Rosenboom, Magnus Knudsen, Nicolai Remberg, John Tolkin, Armin Gigovic
- Forwards: Alexander Bernhardsson, Shuto Machino
Holstein Kiel Suspensions & Injuries
Holstein Kiel will be stepping into this crucial match with a string of injuries, which could severely impact their performance. Here’s a look at the affected players:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Erras | Head injury | Late April 2025 |
| Ivan Nekic | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Andu Kelati | Knee injury | Late May 2025 |
| Colin Kleine-Bekel | Cruciate ligament injury | Late April 2025 |
| Benedikt Pichler | Muscle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Lewis Holtby | Hip injury | Early May 2025 |
| Marco Komenda | Illness | About a week |
| Timo Becker | Illness | About a week |
The absence of key players like Patrick Erras and Lewis Holtby means Holstein Kiel’s depth and experience will be tested. This could be a significant disadvantage against a robust RB Leipzig side, especially in maintaining midfield control and defensive solidity.
Phil Harres and Shuto Machino will need to shoulder increased responsibility, particularly in the attacking department, if Holstein Kiel hopes to pull off an upset and keep their survival hopes alive.
Holstein Kiel Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 3-4-1-2
- Key Forward: Phil Harres (8 goals)
- Midfield Core: Lasse Rosenboom and Magnus Knudsen
- Defensive Stability: No clean sheets in the last five games
Holstein Kiel, managed by Marcel Rapp, often deploys a 3-4-1-2 formation, utilizing three central defenders to solidify the backline. The midfield is spearheaded by the duo of Lasse Rosenboom and Magnus Knudsen, who are pivotal in both defensive duties and transitioning the play forward.
Phil Harres, with 8 goals this season, is the main attacking threat, supported by Shuto Machino. The team’s strategy often revolves around quick counterattacks and exploiting space behind the opposition’s defense. Despite their organized setup, Kiel’s lack of recent clean sheets highlights vulnerabilities that RB Leipzig might exploit.
RB Leipzig vs Holstein Kiel Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holstein Kiel | RB Leipzig | 2024-12-07 | Bundesliga | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Holstein Kiel | RB Leipzig | 2014-02-22 | 3. Liga | 0-2 (Loss) |
| RB Leipzig | Holstein Kiel | 2013-09-03 | 3. Liga | 3-1 (Win) |
| Holstein Kiel | RB Leipzig | 2012-04-21 | Regionalliga | 1-0 (Loss) |
| RB Leipzig | Holstein Kiel | 2011-11-13 | Regionalliga | 2-1 (Win) |
In their last five encounters, RB Leipzig has largely dominated, securing four wins. Holstein Kiel managed a single victory but has struggled in more recent matchups. This historical advantage will likely boost Leipzig’s confidence heading into the match.
Odds accurate as of 17/04/2025 14:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
