Holstein Kiel welcome Hannover 96 at Holstein Stadion, Kiel on Saturday, Dec 12 at 1:00 PM in a 2. Bundesliga fixture that's tighter on paper than the positions suggest — just 2 points split them in the table.

Holstein Kiel come into this fixture out of form (1W 2L recently). Hannover 96, meanwhile, arrive in mixed form (2W 1D 2L) — actually the better-performing side in recent weeks. Holstein Kiel head into this on the back of a defeat, while Hannover 96 arrive off a win — momentum clearly with the visitors.

Despite playing at home, Holstein Kiel face a side that has dominated this fixture historically. Hannover 96 have won 6 of 10 encounters, with 1 draws. Their last encounter ended in Holstein Kiel won 1–3. These two tend to produce goals — averaging 3.6 per game in recent meetings.

Verdict: This looks an evenly matched contest. Home advantage gives Holstein Kiel a slight edge, but Hannover 96 are capable of causing problems. A draw would be a fair result.