The Bundesliga continues to provide thrilling action as Heidenheim take on Borussia Dortmund in a crucial clash at the Voith-Arena this weekend. This match is of significant importance, as both teams are under pressure to improve their form, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Heidenheim's Struggles and Defensive Woes
Heidenheim are currently in the relegation playoff spot (16th) with just 14 points, having suffered a 2-1 defeat against Augsburg in their last match. The hosts are four points from guaranteed safety but only two points from the 17th-placed Holstein Kiel, who occupy one of the automatic relegation spots. Manager Frank Schmidt must address his side’s defensive frailty, with Heidenheim conceding late goals in their last two fixtures, including stoppage-time goals in both halves against Augsburg. They have struggled to keep clean sheets, allowing seven goals in their last three games.
Though Heidenheim have been slightly better at home, winning one and drawing one of their last three matches at the Voith-Arena, their overall form has been a cause for concern. The team has only won two of their last 10 Bundesliga fixtures, and they need to turn things around if they hope to survive the relegation battle.
Possible Starting XI
Muller (GK), Traore, Mainka, Gimber, Fohrenbach, Kerber, Schoppner, Wanner, Pieringer, Kratzig, Zivzivadze
Borussia Dortmund: New Manager, New Hope
On the other side, Borussia Dortmund come into this match with high hopes under new manager Niko Kovac, who is set to lead the team for the first time after replacing Nuri Sahin, who was sacked due to a string of poor results. Kovac will be looking for a new-manager bounce to lift Dortmund’s form. They have shown resilience in recent weeks, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen despite being reduced to 10 men early in the match.
The Black and Yellows are currently sitting 11th in the Bundesliga with 26 points, six points adrift of fourth-placed Stuttgart, who hold the final Champions League qualification spot. However, Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities have been apparent, having conceded 33 goals so far this season—the fifth-worst record in the top 14 teams. They will look to tighten up at the back while capitalizing on Heidenheim's defensive issues.
Key Absences
- Nico Schlotterbeck (red card suspension)
- Niklas Sule (ankle injury)
- Felix Nmecha (knee injury)
Possible Starting XI
Kobel (GK), Ryerson, Anton, Can, Bensebaini, Gross, Sabitzer, Adeyemi, Brandt, Gittens, Guirassy
Match Prediction
Given Heidenheim’s struggles at the back and Dortmund’s recent form, we predict a 3-1 victory for Borussia Dortmund. The visitors come into the match with a boost from their Champions League qualification and the arrival of Kovac. Meanwhile, Heidenheim’s defensive woes and lack of consistency in attack make them vulnerable, especially against a Dortmund team eager to rebound from their recent disappointments.
Final Score Prediction: Heidenheim 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
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