KSV Holstein Kiel

vs

SC Paderborn 07

Preview

Kiel

• Kiel are unbeaten in 5 (W2, D3) across all competitions.
• The Kiel of Marcel Rapp is a stark contrast tactically and this matchup promises to be a tactical chess match.
• Kiel have been extremely tough to play against this season, regularly employing defensive units that have shape-shifted between a back 3 and a back 4, selective pressing, and lightning-fast transitions.
• Kiel have employed a variety of formations this campaign, but largely, their shape has been either a 3-4-1-2 or a 4-2-3-1.

Paderborn

• Paderborn boss Ralf Kettemann took over in July 2025 and has immediately implemented a pressing, high-tempo, high-octane style of play that Paderborn 07 have thrived in.
• Kettemann’s side will look to get the ball back high up the pitch and transition quickly to score goals.

Head-to-Head

• In the last 4 head-to-head meetings across all competitions, Kiel have won twice, Paderborn once, and there has been 1 draw.
  • Last 4 meetings:
    • Kiel: 2 wins
    • Paderborn: 1 win
    • Draws: 1
• Paderborn edged to a 2-1 win at home in the 2. Bundesliga when these sides last met five months ago, but Kettemann’s men have failed to win in their last 2 away trips to Kiel.

Betting Insights

• The visitors are favourites here at 2.3, whilst Kiel are 2.88 and the draw is 3.45.
• Paderborn have the far superior away record and sit much higher in the league table, but Kiel are in better recent form and this could be closer than the odds indicate.