2. Bundesliga preview: Holstein Kiel vs. Hertha BSC

League leaders Hertha BSC travel to face bottom-of-the-table Holstein Kiel at Holstein-Stadion on Friday evening in the 2. Bundesliga. Hertha enter the contest with a perfect record after winning all seven opening league matches under head coach Stefan Leitl. In contrast, Tim Walter's Kiel side remain winless through seven fixtures and enter the matchup following a 1-0 defeat to Eintracht Braunschweig.

Holstein Kiel receive a defensive boost with David Zec returning from suspension, though several players remain sidelined or doubtful. Hertha, who hold a four-point lead at the top of the table after defeating Greuther Fürth 2-1, are expected to be without Marton Dardai and Boris Mamuzah Lum, while striker Gustaf Nilsson is dealing with a thigh injury.