Holstein Kiel vs Borussia Dortmund | Bundesliga | Pre Match

The ball gets rolling on Matchday 17 of the Bundesliga with an enticing clash between Borussia Dortmund and Holstein Kiel, a game set to kick off the Rückrunde with drama and high stakes. For Dortmund, the stakes are clear: recovering momentum after a stuttering start to 2025. For Kiel, survival hangs in the balance as they look to capitalize on their underdog status against a beleaguered giant.

Reflecting on their recent 3-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, Dortmund’s head coach Nuri Şahin acknowledged that his team’s “cold start” left them with too much to do. Conceding three goals in the first 19 minutes, the defeat underscored vulnerabilities within a Dortmund lineup ravaged by injuries and illness. Despite their second-half improvement, the damage was done, and Şahin must now rally his side as they prepare to face a Kiel team with nothing to lose.

Injuries remain a significant obstacle for Dortmund. Emre Can, Waldemar Anton, Rami Bensebaini, Alexander Meyer, Fillipo Mané, and Nico Schlotterbeck are all racing against time to prove their fitness. Şahin’s cautious optimism—"They are feeling better, but we don’t know yet if they can play"—offers little reassurance. Adding to the uncertainty, Karim Adeyemi’s availability is in doubt, while Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is also nursing a knock sustained in Friday’s game. Further compounding their woes, Pascal Groß is suspended following his red card against Wolfsburg, and Niklas Süle remains sidelined with a syndesmotic ligament tear. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Donyell Malen’s future, with the forward reportedly nearing a move to Aston Villa.

Given the mounting absences, Dortmund may once again need to improvise with their lineup. Gregor Kobel will be a stabilizing presence in goal, but the defensive setup is precarious. Felix Nmecha could find himself deployed as a makeshift center-back alongside the inexperienced Yannick Lührs, promoted from Dortmund’s U23s. Yan Couto and Julian Ryerson are expected to occupy the full-back positions, tasked with balancing defensive solidity and attacking support. Şahin’s preferred 4-1-4-1 formation places considerable responsibility on Marcel Sabitzer, who will anchor the midfield as the lone defensive pivot.

In attack, Julien Duranville is likely to start on the right flank, providing pace and directness. Maximilian Beier, Julian Brandt, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (if fit) will form the creative hub behind lone striker Serhou Guirassy. The latter remains Dortmund’s key offensive outlet, with seven goals and two assists in 13 Bundesliga matches this season. Guirassy’s ability to hold up play and finish chances will be critical, especially with Dortmund’s makeshift midfield and defense likely to require a moment of inspiration to settle the game.

For Holstein Kiel, the season has been a battle against the odds. Sitting in 17th place, just two points above rock-bottom VfL Bochum, Kiel’s struggles are reflected in their defensive record: 41 goals conceded in 16 games. Yet the underlying numbers tell a more nuanced story. With an xGC (expected goals conceded) of 28.6, Kiel’s defensive woes appear more a product of poor fortune than systemic failings. Their resilience was on display in the 3-2 defeat to SC Freiburg, where they mounted a spirited comeback from 3-0 down, with Phil Harres scoring twice late on to give his side a glimmer of hope.

Harres has been Kiel’s standout performer this season, netting six goals in just nine appearances. The 23-year-old forward is a constant threat with his movement, work rate, and composure in front of goal. Against a depleted Dortmund defense, Harres represents Kiel’s best hope of pulling off an upset. Kiel fans, who have seen their team claim six of their eight points at home, will be buoyed by the prospect of their team causing problems for Dortmund, especially with the visitors’ current vulnerabilities.

Kiel’s injury concerns, though not as extensive as Dortmund’s, remain a headache for head coach Marcel Rapp. Marvin Schulz (adductor) and Steven Skrzybski (Achilles) are unavailable, while Colin Kleine-Bekel is still regaining match fitness after a lengthy layoff. Patrick Erras, sidelined with a concussion, remains a long-term absentee. These challenges leave Rapp with little choice but to stick with his trusted 3-4-2-1 formation.

Kiel’s backline will likely consist of Timo Becker, David Zec, and Marco Komenda, a trio tasked with containing Dortmund’s fluid attack. In midfield, Nicolai Remberg and veteran Lewis Holtby will anchor the central areas, flanked by Finn Porath and Dominik Javorcek as wing-backs. Holtby’s experience and composure will be crucial in maintaining discipline and organization against Dortmund’s pressing game.

Further forward, the creative responsibilities fall on Andu Kelati and Shuto Machino, who will operate in the dual number ten roles. Both players have shown glimpses of quality this season, with their ability to link midfield and attack providing Kiel with an essential dimension. Harres, leading the line, will look to exploit Dortmund’s improvised defensive pairing with his intelligent movement and sharp finishing.

This match is not just about points but also narratives. Dortmund’s quest to stabilize their campaign under Şahin contrasts with Kiel’s dogged fight to stay afloat in the Bundesliga. The contrasting pressures on both sides could lead to an open and entertaining game, with each team seeking to exploit the other’s weaknesses.

Tactically, Şahin will look to control possession and dictate the tempo, leveraging Dortmund’s superior technical quality. Kiel, meanwhile, will aim to disrupt this rhythm through compact defensive organization and quick transitions. The battle in midfield, where Holtby and Remberg clash with Sabitzer and Brandt, could prove decisive. Dortmund’s ability to unlock Kiel’s defense, particularly through the wide areas, will also be a key factor.

For Kiel, success will hinge on their ability to capitalize on counterattacks and set-pieces. Harres’ sharpness in the box, coupled with Kelati and Machino’s creativity, offers them a chance to hurt Dortmund. The potential for a shock result is real, especially if Dortmund’s makeshift defense struggles to cope with the physicality and directness of Kiel’s play.

As the teams prepare to take the field, this matchup embodies the essence of the Bundesliga—a league where the unexpected often becomes reality. Dortmund may have the pedigree and firepower, but Kiel’s spirit and determination make them a formidable challenge. In the high-stakes atmosphere of the Rückrunde opener, the margins will be fine, and every moment will count.

For Şahin and Rapp, this is an opportunity to make a statement. For the players, it’s a chance to rise above adversity. And for the fans, it’s a reminder of why they love the game. When the whistle blows, all eyes will be on the pitch, where 90 minutes of action will determine who emerges victorious in this compelling contest.