Holstein Kiel
TSG Hoffenheim
>Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim Prediction & Betting Tips – 28/10/2026
Holstein Kiel welcome TSG Hoffenheim to the Holstein-Stadion on 28 October for a DFB Pokal second-round tie that carries all the hallmarks of a classic cup encounter. The 2. Bundesliga hosts, renowned giant-killers who reached the semi-finals in 2020-21 and the quarter-finals last season, will fancy their chances against top-flight opposition. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are desperate to avoid another early exit after bowing out at this stage last term. With a place in the last sixteen at stake, neither side can afford complacency.
Match Analysis
TSG Hoffenheim arrive as clear favorites at 1.44, backed by three consecutive wins including a stunning 3-0 demolition of Leverkusen. Their perfect H2H record against Kiel and Bundesliga pedigree make them the logical pick to advance.
- 3 wins from 3 recent H2H meetings against Kiel, scoring 9 goals across those fixtures.
- 3-1 away win at Holstein-Stadion in January 2025 proves Hoffenheim handle this venue well.
- Kramarić and Moerstedt remain a dangerous attacking pairing even with expected rotation in the squad.
- Kiel carry 6+ injury absences, including Schonlau, Davidsen, and Muqaj, severely thinning squad depth.
Holstein Kiel face a steep challenge at 5.50, though their cup pedigree, including a semi-final run in 2020-21, and back-to-back home clean sheets signal they will not capitulate without a fight against Bundesliga opposition.
- Kiel's 2. Bundesliga status represents a clear class gap against a Hoffenheim side in strong form.
- Hoffenheim have won all three competitive meetings, creating a significant psychological disadvantage for Kiel.
- Phil Harres leads Kiel's attack with 5 goals, but squad injuries limit backup options considerably.
Key point: Hoffenheim have conceded 9 goals in 4 away matches; with both sides capable of scoring, the double chance covering a draw suits cautious backers targeting goals in this tie.
Form & Statistics: Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim
Holstein Kiel
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
TSG Hoffenheim
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
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 Adrián Kaprálik
- 7 Jonas Meffert
- 8 Ikem Ugoh
- 9 Jonas Therkelsen
- 10 Phil Harres
- 11 Giorgi Kvilitaia
Bench
- Ivan Nekić
- Faride Alidou
- Tayar Tasdelen
- Lio Rothenhagen
- Till Wiese
- Mark Montserrat
Absent
- Lasse Rosenboom (injury)
- Frederik Roslyng (injury)
- Andu Kelati (injury)
- Carl Johansson (injury)
- Hamza Muqaj (Unknown)
- Kasper Davidsen (Physical discomfort)
- S. Schonlau (Thigh injury)
- S. Skrzybski (Physical discomfort)
- John Tolkin (Leg injury / Ligament problems)
TSG Hoffenheim
Starters
- 1 Luca Philipp
- 2 Valentin Gendrey
- 3 Robin Hranac
- 4 Koki Machida
- 5 Bernardo
- 6 Alexander Prass
- 7 Bambasé Conté
- 8 Leon Avdullahu
- 9 Adam Daghim
- 10 Andrej Kramarić
- 11 Max Moerstedt
Bench
- Oliver Baumann
- Vladimír Coufal
- Ozan Kabak
- Wouter Burger
- Fisnik Asllani
- Adam Hložek
- Natnael Abraha
Absent
- Patrick Wimmer (injury)
- Albian Hajdari (injury)
- Nathan De Cat (injury)
- Luis Engelns (suspended)
Medium confidence
A mirror image of formations sets the stage here, with both sides lining up in a 4-4-2 that promises a direct, structured contest in the DFB Pokal's second round. The shape invites a battle for midfield control, where Kiel's Jonas Meffert will be central to dictating tempo against Hoffenheim's more experienced visitors.
Hoffenheim carry the greater individual quality in the final third, with Andrej Kramarić offering the kind of clinical edge that can settle tight cup ties. Kiel, however, will fancy their chances on home turf, and their compact defensive block could make this a more competitive evening than the league standings might suggest.
Our Verdict
Hoffenheim's head-to-head dominance is the decisive factor here. They have won all four competitive meetings with Kiel, including a 3-1 triumph at the Holstein-Stadion in January 2025. Three straight victories, headlined by that 3-0 dismantling of Leverkusen, underline their current momentum. The away win at 1.44 represents solid value given that pedigree. Kiel's cup pedigree demands respect, yet Hoffenheim's quality should prevail. Back Hoffenheim to win, with over 2.5 goals at 1.35 a worthwhile secondary pick. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim?
Hoffenheim to win is the standout selection here, backed at 1.44. The Bundesliga side have won all three recent competitive meetings against Kiel, arrive on the back of three consecutive victories including a 3-0 demolition of Leverkusen, and carry a clear class advantage. Potential rotation tempers confidence slightly, but the H2H dominance is too compelling to ignore.
What time does Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim kick off?
This DFB Pokal second-round fixture kicks off at 19:45 UTC on Wednesday, 28th October 2026. The match takes place at the Holstein-Stadion in Kiel, where Holstein Kiel will enjoy home support as they look to cause an upset against Bundesliga opposition TSG Hoffenheim.
Where can I watch Holstein Kiel vs TSG Hoffenheim on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for DFB Pokal fixtures vary by territory and rights holder. In Germany, matches are typically shown on ARD, ZDF, or Sky Deutschland. Supporters outside Germany should check their local sports broadcasters or streaming platforms for regional coverage. Always verify listings in advance, as schedules can change.
What is Holstein Kiel's recent record against TSG Hoffenheim?
Holstein Kiel's recent head-to-head record against TSG Hoffenheim makes for difficult reading. Hoffenheim have won all three competitive encounters in recent memory, including a 3-2 victory in August 2024 and a 3-1 away win at Holstein-Stadion in January 2025, handing Kiel a psychological hurdle to overcome in this cup tie.