German 2.Bundesliga
2026-02-15 - Holstein Kiel vs Schalke 04
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; Germany: 2.Bundesliga
Holstein Stadion – Kiel
Sunday, 15th February 2026 - kickoff 13:30 CET
Holstein Kiel
Holstein Kiel arrive at this match in a cautious frame of mind. They sit 12th in the 2.Bundesliga, just outside the lower mid-table and only a couple of points clear of the relegation zone.
Holstein Kiel’s recent league form has been patchy — they are winless in three straight matches, losing back-to-back against Greuther Furth (1-2) and Hannover 96 (3-1) in the most recent two rounds.
Regarding goals, there have been at least three goals in five of the last six they played in, and Holstein Kiel also conceded twice or more in each of their last three 2.Bundesliga matches.
At home, the atmosphere at the Holstein Stadion can give them a lift. Recent results show they can score there — they found the net in each of their last three home fixtures — but defensive lapses have also crept in, conceding goals consistently.
Schalke 04
Schalke 04 are comfortably one of the 2.Bundesliga’s best sides this season and arrive here as clear favourites.
However, they are currently on a very bad run of five winless matches (three draws, two defeats), which saw them lose the first place on the table. They are now second, but that place is shaking, and they must get back on the winning track as soon as possible.
Last week, Schalke 04 drew 2-2 with relegation-threatened Dynamo Dresden, their third consecutive game in which they conceded at least twice.
Schalke 04’s recent away matches have featured fewer high-score affairs compared with Holstein Kiel’s games — their matches tend to be tighter, with four of their last six at away grounds ending with under 2.5 goals — but they remain dangerous on transitions and set pieces, especially when they break the lines.
The Betting Verdict
Schalke 04 are stronger overall, but their recent run without a league win shows they are not invincible right now. Holstein Kiel are at home and capable of causing problems, especially in open, end-to-end games.
Given both teams have defensive vulnerabilities — Holstein Kiel concede more than most mid-table sides, and Schalke 04’s recent away fixtures haven’t been tight shutouts — there’s good reason to expect action at both ends.
I expect Schalke 04 to win this match, which is my main betting recommendation, likely with goals at both ends.
The Pick :
Holstein Kiel 1-2 Schalke 04
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Schalke 04 to win at odds of 2.51 with Cloudbet
