Holstein Kiel
TSG Hoffenheim
Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim Predictions, Picks & Odds – 28/10/2026
Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim – Best bets of the match
Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim Preview
Holstein Kiel welcome Hoffenheim to the Holstein-Stadion buoyed by a morale-lifting 3-0 victory over Dynamo Dresden, their first 2. Bundesliga win of the campaign. That result will have steadied nerves in a side that had endured a difficult start to life back in the second tier. Cup football offers a different kind of test, though, and the Störche will fancy their chances of springing a surprise on home turf in front of a fervent crowd.
Hoffenheim arrive in Kiel having snapped a wretched run of four consecutive defeats with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Christian Ilzer's men needed that result badly, and the reprieve could free them to approach this cup tie with greater composure. Squad rotation is expected, with Valentin Gendrey and Andrej Kramarić potentially earning starts. Crucially, TSG have won all three previous meetings against Kiel, each by a two-goal margin.
Hoffenheim's dominant head-to-head record against Kiel underpins our away win selection at 1.44. Across all three previous meetings, the Kraichgauer have won each fixture by a two-goal margin, including a 3-1 triumph at this very ground in January 2025. That consistent superiority, combined with the Bundesliga pedigree gap, makes the visitors a sound pick.
Christian Ilzer's side broke a four-match losing run by beating Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-1, and their recent form shows three wins from five outings. Fresh options such as Andrej Kramarić and Valentin Gendrey could feature from the start, adding quality to a side already favoured by the market. Kiel's solitary win hardly inspires lasting confidence.
The over 2.5 goals line at 1.35 also appeals, given that all three previous encounters between these clubs produced at least four goals. Hoffenheim's attacking intent coupled with Kiel's willingness to push forward at home should generate chances at both ends, making both teams to score at 1.50 another worthwhile angle. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim
- Hoffenheim unbeaten in three prior meetings
- Kiel yet to establish consistent form
- Kramarić rotation boost strengthens Hoffenheim attack
Form & Statistics: Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim
Holstein Kiel
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
TSG Hoffenheim
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim
Holstein Kiel
Starters
- 1 Timon Weiner
- 2 Hiroki Sekine
- 3 N. Ellegaard Madsen
- 4 David Zec
- 5 Leon Parduzi
- 6 Jonas Meffert
- 7 Kasper Davidsen
- 8 Adrián Kaprálik
- 9 Gyan de Regt
- 10 Phil Harres
- 11 Giorgi Kvilitaia
Bench
- Jonas Therkelsen
- Ivan Nekić
- Faride Alidou
- Ikem Ugoh
- Tayar Tasdelen
- Lio Rothenhagen
- Till Wiese
- Mark Montserrat
- John Tolkin
Absent
- Lasse Rosenboom (injury)
- Frederik Roslyng (injury)
- Andu Kelati (injury)
- Carl Johansson (injury)
TSG Hoffenheim
Starters
- 1 Oliver Baumann
- 2 Vladimír Coufal
- 3 Ozan Kabak
- 4 Koki Machida
- 5 Mats Rots
- 6 Alexander Prass
- 7 Wouter Burger
- 8 Leon Avdullahu
- 9 Adam Daghim
- 10 Fisnik Asllani
- 11 Adam Hložek
Bench
- Robin Hranáč
- Max Moerstedt
- Bernardo
- Valentin Gendrey
- Andrej Kramarić
- Natnael Abraha
- Cajetan Lenz
- Luca Philipp
Absent
- Patrick Wimmer (injury)
- Albian Hajdari (injury)
- Nathan De Cat (injury)
- Luis Engelns (suspended)
- Bambasé Conté (injury)
Medium confidence
A 3-4-2-1 against a 4-2-3-1 shapes up as an intriguing tactical contest at Holstein-Stadion, with Kiel's wing-backs likely to be central to how the home side create width and press Hoffenheim's double pivot. Both probable XIs are drawn from recent Bundesliga fixtures, so the confidence level on each is broadly comparable.
For Hoffenheim, Adam Hložek operating behind the lone striker gives the visitors a creative threat in the half-spaces, while Kiel will look to Giorgi Kvilitaia to hold the line and bring the two attacking midfielders into play. The DFB-Pokal format adds urgency: there is no margin for a second leg, and a single moment of quality could settle the tie.
Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim Match?
What time is Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim?
Kickoff at the Holstein-Stadion is set for 19:45 on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
Where is Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim being played?
This fixture takes place at the Holstein-Stadion in Kiel, Germany.
How Can I Watch Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim on TV and Live Stream?
This DFB Pokal second-round tie will be broadcast live on Sky Sport in Germany.
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