Holstein Kiel Face Hoffenheim in DFB Pokal Second Round Test

Holstein Kiel vs Hoffenheim - 10/28/2026

10/27/2026 637

The DFB Pokal second round puts Holstein Kiel up against Bundesliga side Hoffenheim at Holstein-Stadion, where the hosts look to overturn a challenging recent record in this fixture. With both teams coming off confident wins in the opening round, the clash promises a rigorously contested battle for a spot in the next phase.

Recent History

Holstein Kiel have found the going tough in encounters with Hoffenheim, losing their last three meetings. Their only previous home fixture against Hoffenheim also ended in defeat, underlying a significant hurdle to overcome.

The recent margin of loss for Kiel has often been considerable: two of the last three meetings saw them fall by two or more goals. These results paint a clear picture of a matchup that has been slanted in Hoffenheim's favor in recent cup and competitive outings.

Overall Performance

Holstein Kiel's form over the last ten games in all competitions has been inconsistent. While they managed draws in half of those games, they have been winless in 83% of their last 12 matches, scoring 1.2 goals while conceding 1.1 per match. Their ball possession average stands at a respectable 53.6% and they create just over 45 dangerous attacks per game.

At home, Kiel have found some stability—undefeated in 82% of their last 11 at the Holstein-Stadion. Yet, they have remained winless in 83% of their last six in all competitions and 5 out of their last 6 home DFB Pokal matches. The draw has been a frequent result, occurring in exactly half of their last 12 home matches in all competitions.

Hoffenheim bring far more consistent results. Over their last thirty games in all competitions, they have claimed victory in half, scoring slightly under 2 goals per outing. Their recent away form is mixed with six defeats out of their last twelve, conceding 2.5 per match on the road but also maintaining strong possession (58.7%). Notably, in their last 10 DFB Pokal outings, Hoffenheim have won five and gone undefeated in five of their last six cup ties.

Main Trends

Kiel's home defensive record is above average, with clean sheets in 40% of their last 15 at Holstein-Stadion, conceding 1.27 per match. In cup-specific terms, they have a solid defensive showing but struggle up front—scoring just 1.17 per home match in the Pokal.

Hoffenheim demonstrate a stronger attacking threat, exemplified by their 2.2 goals average in the last 10 DFB Pokal games and four wins by two or more goals in those matches. Their overall trends indicate a high tempo and attacking approach, producing nearly 60 dangerous attacks per game across all competitions.

Probable Lineups

Based on recent starting elevens and the sidelined players list, here are the most likely starting XIs for both sides:

Holstein Kiel

Goalkeeper: Timon Weiner

Defenders: Noah Madsen, Hiroki Sekine, Ivan Nekic, John Tolkin

Midfielders: Guillermo Balzi, Jonas Therkelsen, Adrián Kaprálik, Jonas Meffert, Ikem Ugoh

Attackers: Phil Harres

Hoffenheim

Goalkeeper: Oliver Baumann

Defenders: Vladimír Coufal, Mats Rots, Robin Hranac, Koki Machida

Midfielders: Leon Avdullahu, Bambasé Conté, Alexander Prass, Adam Hlozek

Attackers: Andrej Kramaric, Fisnik Asllani

Match Data

Holstein Kiel marched into the second round with a 2-0 away win over TSV 1860. They enjoyed 61% possession and delivered 15 shots, underlining their ball retention and output in attack. Phil Harres and Guillermo Balzi were the scorers, while the defense stood firm facing only three shots on target.

Hoffenheim were even more dominant in their first-round cup tie, sweeping Erzgebirge Aue aside with a 4-0 away success. Their performance was marked by 28 shots, 11 on goal, and a commanding 65% possession, suggesting they arrive as clear favorites given both form and firepower.

Prediction

The attacking data for both teams suggests a game with goals. With Hoffenheim averaging over two per match in the Pokal and Kiel's defense not impenetrable, the likelihood of more than 2.5 goals is supported by recent trends. The probability algorithm gives Hoffenheim a 56% chance of victory, with a 0-3 outcome as the most probable scenario.

Kiel's home edge and ball possession may keep them competitive, but Hoffenheim's attacking record, squad strength, and recent form in this matchup put the visitors well in favor to advance.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

DFB

Holstein Kiel Hoffenheim 28/10/2026 20:45

192556

20-3

0 - 3

3.42

57°F

-208

+550 +333 -208 no no no

Pen.

FT

4 - 3

1 - 1(1 - 1)

-

- - -