Hamburger SV vs Holstein Kiel Prediction & Betting Tips (3 December)

Hamburger SV enter this DFB Pokal clash with a mixture of frustration and determination. Over the past two months, the club has struggled to find consistent form in the Bundesliga, sitting precariously near the relegation zone. Their recent 1-0 defeat to Augsburg on November 22 highlighted their lack of cutting edge in front of goal, despite creating several chances. Earlier in November, they managed a spirited 1-1 draw against Borussia Dortmund, which showed glimpses of resilience. Off the pitch, the extension of Claus Costa’s contract as Director of Football and the news of players like Luka Vuskovic and Miro Muheim qualifying for the 2026 World Cup have provided some positive headlines. Yet, manager Merlin Polzin knows that cup fixtures often serve as a reset button, and this encounter with Holstein Kiel could be the perfect opportunity to reignite belief.

Holstein Kiel, meanwhile, arrive with their own story of ups and downs. In late November, they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Kaiserslautern, where Naatan Skyttä’s hat-trick for the opposition exposed defensive frailties. Still, Kiel had shown promise earlier in the month with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fortuna Düsseldorf, proving they can grind out results when needed. Off the field, American defender John Tolkin has been settling into life in Germany, finding stability and pushing for a USMNT World Cup place, which has added intrigue to Kiel’s squad narrative. Their upcoming fixtures in the 2. Bundesliga remain crucial, but the Pokal offers a different stage, one where underdogs often thrive and reputations can be reshaped in ninety minutes.



Looking at recent matches, Hamburger SV’s form has been patchy but not devoid of highlights. They thrashed Groningen 6-3 in a friendly on November 12, showing attacking flair, though competitive fixtures have been less forgiving. Losses to Cologne and Augsburg, combined with a draw against Dortmund, underline their inconsistency. Holstein Kiel’s November fixtures tell a similar tale: a morale-boosting win against Düsseldorf, followed by a sobering defeat to Kaiserslautern. Their clash with Hertha Berlin at the end of the month was another test of their resilience. Both teams, therefore, enter this Pokal tie with contrasting emotions—Hamburg desperate to prove they belong back among Germany’s elite, and Kiel eager to show they can punch above their weight.

Predictions for cup matches are always tricky, but the balance of quality and recent performances suggests Hamburger SV may have the edge. Their attacking potential, when unleashed, can overwhelm defenses, while Kiel’s vulnerabilities were evident in their recent heavy defeat. With the added motivation of playing at home and the desire to turn their season around, Hamburg are tipped to secure a convincing result. The forecast leans toward a 3:1 scoreline in favor of Hamburger SV, a result that would not only see them progress but also restore confidence in a squad that has been searching for momentum.

• Summary: Hamburger SV is going head to head with Holstein Kiel starting on 3 Dec 2025 at 19:45 UTC at Volksparkstadion stadium, Hamburg city, Germany. The match is a part of the DFB Pokal .
• Hamburger SV Feedinco Rating: 7.00
• Holstein Kiel Feedinco Rating: 6.99