FC Augsburg vs. 1. FC Heidenheim preview: who can bounce back from last week's disappointment?
| Heidenheim vs. Augsburg on September 27th. | Photo: Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images. |
Augsburg host Heidenheim in a clash that carries huge importance for both sides. After a setback at Mainz last time out, Augsburg’s unbeaten home run (six Bundesliga games without defeat) is a key foundation for coach Manuel Baum’s side as they look to secure their safety in Germany’s top flight. In rank 13 with 22 points (and only a three-point-gap to the relegation slots), a positive result is needed to lift them further clear of danger.
Heidenheim, by contrast, arrive deep in the relegation fight and winless since the 6th of December 2025. Their defensive frailties remain big - with the most goals conceded in the division (47) - and the task becomes tougher on the road where victories have been rare this season. Breaking that trend would be crucial if they are to keep Bundesliga survival hopes alive with 13 fixtures still to play.
A noteworthy subplot to this fixture is the recent head-to-head history between these clubs: in their last meeting on September 27, Heidenheim came out on top with a 2-1 win at the Voith-Arena - a result that gave them a much-needed lift early in the season. Mikkel Kaufmann and Sirlord Conteh scored after halftime to overturn a quiet stalemate, with Augsburg only grabbing a late consolation in stoppage time.
However, that was back when Sandro Wagner coached the Fuggerstädter: Manuel Baum has re-strengthened Augsburg and they go into this rematch as favourites.
Squad news:
Augsburg
Absent: Jeffrey Gouweleeuw (knee), Chrislain Matsima (muscle) — both remain on the sidelines and will miss the game.
No fresh injury news suggests Baum’s rotation choices could hinge on match rhythm rather than new enforced changes.
Heidenheim
Out: Leart Paqarada (cruciate ligament recovery).
Doubtful: Leonidas Stergiou, Niklas Dorsch and Mathias Honsak are at doubt for the match and might not feature.
Predicted lineups:
FC Augsburg (3-4-2-1):
Dahmen - Banks, Chaves, Schlotterbeck - Fellhauer, Massengo, Jakić, Giannoulis - Rieder, Claude-Maurice - Gregoritsch
1. FC Heidenheim (4-3-3):
Ramaj - Busch, Gimber, Mainka, Behrens - Schöppner, Dorsch, Niehues - Dinkçi, Schimmer, Ibrahimović
