Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Bundesliga

Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel Preview

• Tournament: Bundesliga
• Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
• Kick-off Time: 13:30 PM GMT.
• Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund hopes to secure a top-4 finish in their final match of the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign against a relegated Holstein Kiel side. The Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel clash takes place on Saturday, 17 May 2025 at the Signal Iduna Park at 13:30 PM GMT.

Borussia Dortmund have significantly picked up their form under Niko Kovac, having won four of their last five matches. They have climbed up to fifth place in the Bundesliga table with 54 points from 33 games, and are just one point behind the top-4 heading into the final game at home, where they've won 10 of their 16 league games this season.

Kovac has to ensure that his side maintains their inspired momentum and keeps playing high-octane, thrilling attacking football. They will need to be wary of the visitors' counter-attack threat, but BVB's major priority will be to play fast-paced, incisive attacking football to get a big win and then hope other results go in their favor to secure them UEFA Champions League football for next season.

Holstein Kiel's relegation has already been confirmed as they sit in 19th place with 25 points from 33 games. They have, although, won two of their last five Bundesliga matches, and hope to at least bow out of the top division by spoiling Borussia Dortmund's mood.

Marcel Rapp's side have just one away win this season and hopes to get their second against Dortmund. To do so, they need to maintain an extremely tight defensive line to frustrate the hosts. They'll also need to be decisive and clinical in putting away their chances to get a big win to end their campaign.

Borussia Dortmund Team News

Niko Kovac is unlikely to have his midfielder, Felix Nmecha, who sustained a knock in their recent win over Bayer Leverkusen. He is also without players like Nico Schlotterbeck (meniscus tear), Maximiliano Beier (ankle), Flippo Mane (hamstring), and Cole Campbell (ligament). Pascal Gross is suspended for this game.

Holstein Kiel Team News

Marcel Repp is missing quite a few important first-team players for this game. Marco Komenda (tendon rupture) and Colin Kliene-Bekel are both out for the rest of the season. The likes of Patrick Erras (concussion), Ivan Nekic (muscle), and Andu Kelati (knee) are also likely to miss this. Midfielder Armin Gigovic is also suspended.

Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel Predicted Lineups

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel

Defenders: Mike Ryerson, Niklas Sule, Waldemar Anton, Remy Bensebaini, Daniel Svensson

Midfielders: Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer

Forwards: Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy

Holstein Kiel Predicted Lineup (3-4-1-2):

Goalkeeper: Thomas Dahne

Defenders: Timo Becker, Carl Johansson, David Zec, Lasse Rosenboom, John Tolkin

Midfielders: Magnus Knudsen, Nicolai Remberg, Steven Skrzybski

Forwards: Alexander Bernhardsson, Shuto Machino

Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel Head-to-Head record

These two sides have only faced off against each other on three occasions in the past. Out of that, Borussia Dortmund have won two games and Holstein Kiel have come out as winners once.

Key Players to watch in Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel

Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund)

Karim Adeyemi has picked up his form at the right time, having scored a brilliant goal in the recent win over Bayer Leverkusen. The 23-year-old has outperformed his 5.46 xG (expected goals) with seven goals in the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign, having a 16% goal conversion.

He aims to end it in a smashing fashion with a ruthless display against the relegated side. Adeyemi will look to use his crazy pace to dart past players at will and get the ball into key areas. He will look to put in accurate final third passes, but most prioritize getting the ball into the box and smashing it into the top corner.

Shuto Machino (Holstein Kiel)

Shuto Machino has been a big, bright part of Holstein Kiel's season, superbly outperforming his 5.95 xG with 11 goals for the relegated side! He has managed an impressive 22% goal conversion rate and has been a clinical product inside the box.

The 25-year-old will look to give some joy to his fans with a prolific display at the Signal Iduna Park. He will be tasked with getting into the key areas in the final third and finishing off chances efficiently to raise Holstein's chances of getting a big result.

Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel Prediction

Borussia Dortmund might be riding on some impressive form, but they can't take this Holstein Kiel team lightly. Because the visitors have nothing to lose, they will take the fight to the hosts and look to play some clinical counter-attacking football.

Dortmund might be put under some pressure occasionally, but their ruthless attacking line is in too good form to stumble at this point. They should be able to fire their way to a big win to end the campaign on a high note.

Predicted Score: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Holstein Kiel

Where to watch Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel Live?