As the season comes to a close, several teams still have unfinished business, and Borussia Dortmund are the prime example. Champions League football is a point away, but to keep their chances alive, they must dismantle the now-relegated Holstein Kiel.
Borussia Dortmund are here to prove that miracles can happen in football and that you shouldn't give up until the end. The Champions League felt like a mirage a few months ago and now, BVB are one step away from saving what was going to be one of their worst seasons in decades.
With four consecutive wins, Dortmund have been the best-performing team in the final chapter of the season. The Black and Yellows have one of the easier tasks in the final round, as they will face Holstein Kiel, who have nothing to play for. Meanwhile, their direct rivals for the 4th place have a much tougher assignment facing Eintracht Frankfurt.
Holstein Kiel had one of their best days in the reverse fixture against Dortmund this season but their earlier success is unlikely to be repeated. The Storks definitely put up a fight in the final weeks of the season but confirmed their relegation when they lost to Freiburg a week ago. Their fans would rather forget this disappointing season, but we predict that the Storks will be back in the elite sooner rather than later.
How the bookies view it: Only one way out
This crucial fixture comes hand in hand with some of Dortmund's lowest odds this season. Bookmakers simply see no other possible outcome than an outright win for BVB. You can pick the hosts at 1/10, the draw at 12/1 or Holstein Kiel's unlikely triumph at 18/1.
Recent head to head: The Storks produced one of the big upsets of the season
Holstein Kiel's debut season in the elite had its moments and the reverse fixture against Dortmund must be one of the highlights. The Storks dismantled BVB in the first half, scoring three unanswered goals. Ultimately, the match ended with in a famous 4-2 win. Before that, the two teams had only met twice in official matches in the DFB Pokal, with Dortmund coming out on top twice (5-0, 4-0).
Players to watch: Guirassy can't be stopped
It's starting to feel wrong to bet on Serhou Guirassy week in, week out, but he's been simply sensational. He has contributed to at least one goal per match in seven of his last eight appearances for Dortmund. But when you take a closer look, you will see that he has nine goals and three assists in the process. And he is one goal away from breaking the club record for most Bundesliga goals in a debut season. Guirassy has 20 already.
Probable line-ups
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Sule, Anton, Bensebaini, Svensson, Can, Chukwuemeka, Ryerson, Brandt, Adeyemi, Guirassy
Holstein Kiel: Weiner, Zec, Becker, Johansson, Porath, Remberg, Rosenboom, Tolkin, Holtby, Machino, Bernhardsson
Anything else catch the eye?
Looking back at Borussia Dortmund from before Niko Kovac's arrival, their current dominant form feels like a miracle. The Black and Yellows were one of the worst visitors in the league and were sitting in the middle of the table. Now, they are unbeaten in seven consecutive Bundesliga rounds, with six wins and a draw away at Bayern Munich.
Their attacking performance stands out the most. There is a lot to be desired defensively, but on the other end, Dortmund scored 23 goals in their last seven games. The only match they failed to score 3+ in was against Bayern Munich (2-2). And last week, they crushed Bayer Leverkusen (2-4) in Xabi Alonso's last home match with the club.
Unless something goes completely wrong, Holstein Kiel should get ready for a heavy beating. Borussia Dortmund haven't been as effective in years and we envision another one of their crazy fixtures.
Borussia Dortmund vs Holstein Kiel Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
- Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt Prediction and Betting Tips
- Mainz vs Bayer Leverkusen Prediction and Betting Tips
- Bayer Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction and Betting Tips
- Bayern Munich vs Borussia Monchengladbach Prediction and Betting Tips
- Werder Bremen vs RB Leipzig Prediction and Betting Tips
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