Bayer Leverkusen – Holstein Kiel
Our Leverkusen – Kiel betting tip is: Both teams to score – 2.16 – odds
- Leverkusen has conceded at least one goal in all Bundesliga games this season
- Kiel scored at least one goal in the last three games
- The reigning champions have scored 14 goals so far
On match day 6 of the Bundesliga, reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen face a thrilling encounter against newly promoted Holstein Kiel. Leverkusen, currently in 4th place in the table, will do everything they can to get the three points and stay in contention for the top spot. They are under pressure to further cement their championship ambitions and will certainly adopt an attacking style of play to put the promoted team under pressure.
Holstein Kiel, on the other hand, have only managed to collect one point so far and are currently in last place. For them, it will be about withstanding the pressure and possibly at least getting a point from counter-attacking opportunities or compact defending. It will be exciting to see how Kiel reacts to Leverkusen’s powerful play. You can find out who will come out on top in this duel in our Leverkusen v Kiel prediction.
Leverkusen – Kiel Info
- Date & Time: 04.10.2024, 3:30 pm
- Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen
- Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 6
- TV broadcast/livestream: Sky
Leverkusen Form & record check
Bayer Leverkusen drew 1-1 with league leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga last weekend. Leverkusen are currently three points behind Bayern, which increases the pressure on them to stay in contention. During the week, Leverkusen triumphed against AC Milan with a narrow 1-0 victory in the Champions League. Victor Boniface scored the decisive goal.
In both matches, against Bayern and Milan, their opponents had significantly more possession and touches, while Leverkusen had to rely on strong defending and quick transitions. This pattern could represent a weakness, especially against top teams. Coach Xabi Alonso will have to analyze these aspects to make Leverkusen more competitive against big opponents.
One particular problem was their conversion rate, as was especially evident against Milan. Although Leverkusen had a value of 3.24 according to Expected Goals, they only managed to score one goal. This inefficiency in front of goal could prove dangerous in crucial games when they face stronger opponents. Alonso will have to work to address this weakness in order to avoid losing valuable points in the upcoming matches.
Too many goals conceded
Bayer Leverkusen is indeed facing the challenge of standing in its own way. The ten points after five match days mark the worst start to a title defense in the Bundesliga since the 2012-13 season. A central weakness is the defense, because Leverkusen has conceded at least one goal in each of the five league games so far. In total, there are already ten goals conceded, an alarming figure for a team with title ambitions.
If coach Xabi Alonso manages to stabilize the defense, defending the title could still be within the realm of possibility. The team has enough quality in offense with players like Boniface and Wirtz to win games. But without improved defending, the dream of defending the title could be in jeopardy. However, if they can get a grip on this weakness, it is quite conceivable that Leverkusen will be challenging for the top spot again.
Leverkusen facts & analysis
- 4th place in the Bundesliga
- The Werkself played a draw in the last top match against Bayern Munich
- Unbeaten for five games
Kiel Form & record check
Holstein Kiel are having a tough time as promoted teams in the Bundesliga. With only one point and four defeats from five games, they have to fight hard to gain a foothold in the league. The last game against Eintracht Frankfurt ended in a heated 4-2 defeat. At half-time, the score was still 1-1, after both teams had delivered an open battle.
Shortly after the second half kicked off, Matanović put Frankfurt in the lead, but Kiel did not let themselves be asked for long and Machino equalized in the 50th minute. In the final phase, however, Frankfurt’s individual class prevailed: Marmoush put Frankfurt back in the lead, and Tuta’s 4-2 final score ensured that the points went to Eintracht.
Kiel, however, shows potential to survive in the Bundesliga. Despite the defeats, they have put up a brave fight in some games and proved that they are able to keep up. However, it will take time and patience for them to fully acclimatize in the league and consistently collect points.
Worst defense in the league
Holstein Kiel currently have the worst defense in the Bundesliga. With 17 goals conceded after five games, they have conceded the most goals in the league, which highlights their problems in defense. They are also the first promoted team since the 2011/12 season not to have won in the first five games.
Ahead of the upcoming game against reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen, the chances of ending this losing streak are looking bleak. Leverkusen are one of the strongest teams in the league and are extremely dangerous in attack. It will be a difficult task for Kiel, especially since their defense has been vulnerable so far. Nevertheless, in football, anything is possible. Kiel could pull off an upset with a tactically disciplined performance and a lucky day, even if the odds are against it.
Kiel facts & analysis
- Kiel is currently in last place in the league
- The promoted team has not yet been able to win
- Kiel has the worst defense in the league with 17 goals conceded
Leverkusen will play in a 4-2-3-1 system that offers a stable defense with two central defenders, while the offense is flexible with three attacking midfielders. This formation allows them to build up play in a controlled manner while also applying pressure up front, without neglecting the defense.
Leverkusen – Kiel Comparison & Stats
Kiel will play in a 3-5-2 system and position themselves more defensively to keep the spaces compact and prevent counterattacks. With this formation, they can strengthen the midfield and at the same time push forward quickly with two strikers.
The head-to-head between the two teams is clear: Leverkusen has won all three previous meetings. Leverkusen are also favorites in the upcoming game, and we expect them to continue their winning streak.
