Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
On Saturday, May 17, in the final round of the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund will host Holstein Kiel at home. Kick-off is at 15:30 Central European Time. I'm offering a bet on the number of goals scored by one of the teams in this clash.
Key facts and head-to-head history
- Borussia Dortmund have won 5 matches in a row.
- Holstein Kiel have suffered only 2 defeats in their last 5 games.
- Borussia Dortmund boasts the third-best attack in the league with 68 goals.
- Holstein Kiel are unbeaten in their last 3 away games.
- In their last 4 home fixtures, Borussia Dortmund have netted 13 goals.
- In matchday 17 this season, Holstein Kiel pulled off a sensational 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund.
- This will be only the fourth meeting between these clubs, with Dortmund leading the head-to-head 2:1.
Match preview
Borussia Dortmund are just one step away from salvaging a season that was turning into a disaster. Not long ago, the Black and Yellows were languishing in 11th place, but after a string of strong results, they've climbed to fifth, just one point off the Champions League spots. Most crucially, Eintracht and Freiburg, who currently occupy third and fourth, are facing each other in the final round—meaning one of Dortmund's direct rivals is guaranteed to drop points.
To guarantee themselves a Champions League berth next season, Niko Kovac's men need to win by at least a two-goal margin. In that case, Dortmund won't have to depend on the result of the parallel fixture. If Freiburg doesn't beat Eintracht, any victory will do for Borussia Dortmund. And if Freiburg loses, the "Bees" will finish fourth even with a draw.
In the previous round, Borussia Dortmund earned a hard-fought, crucial away win over Bayer Leverkusen, 4-2. Before that, they thrashed Wolfsburg (4-0) and edged Hoffenheim (3-2).
Holstein Kiel travel to Dortmund with nothing left to play for. The "Storks" are 17th and have no chance of surviving in the Bundesliga next season. This was Holstein Kiel's debut campaign in the top flight, but they dropped too many points in the first half of the year.
Late in the season, Marcel Rapp's side found their form, but it was too little, too late. In the previous round, Holstein Kiel lost 2-1 at home to Freiburg, which sealed their relegation. Before that, the "Storks" pulled off a surprise win over Augsburg (3-1) and beat Borussia Monchengladbach (4-3).
Probable line-ups
- Borussia Dortmund: Kobel - Süle, Anton, Bensebaini - Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson - Brandt, Adeyemi - Guirassy
- Holstein Kiel: Dene - Becker, Johansson, Zetz - Rosenboom, Remberg, Knudsen, Tolkin - Skrzybski - Bernhardsson, Machino
Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel prediction
Without a doubt, Borussia Dortmund are the clear favorites in this match. My bet is on the home side to score more than 3 goals in this encounter.
