Heidenheim vs. Freiburg preview: Visitors look to continue hot streak
| Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images |
Heidenheim
Heidenheim welcome Freiburg to Swabia for the last of their all-Baden-Württemberg clashes this side of the winter break.
Frank Schmidt's side pulled off a remarkable late comeback last time out against Union Berlin, with late goals from Stefan Schimmer and Jan Schöppner sealing a 2-1 victory in Köpenick.
As a result, Heidenheim rose to 16th in the standings - occupying the play-off spot.
With St. Pauli and Bayern to play before the winter break in two weeks, a win this weekend would put them in a great position heading into the pause.
Team News
On the injury front, Budu Zivzivadze, Mikel Kaufmann, Frank Feller and Sirlord Conteh are all expected to return later this month or in the new year.
Leart Paqarada will remain absent until the end of the campaign, after suffering a cruciate ligament injury back in September.
Predicted lineup - 3-4-2-1: Ramaj - Keller, Mainka, Gimber - Busch, Niehues, Schöppner, Föhrenbach - Ibrahimovic, Honsak - Pieringer
Freiburg
After a 6-2 defeat against Bayern Munich, Freiburg have turned their form around swiftly, with their 4-0 win against Mainz bringing Bo Henriksen's time in charge of Die Nullfünfer to an end.
Julian Schuster's men would back this up with a midweek 2-0 win against 2. Bundesliga side Darmstadt, booking their place in the DFB-Pokal quarter finals in the process.
Vincenzo Grifo starred against the Lilies in the cup tie, registering a goal and an assist. Though the Pforzeheim-born Italian would strike the bar from the penalty spot in the closing stages.
With a Europa League clash against RB Salzburg coming up next week, Die Breisgauer will look to carry the momentum gained this last week as they make the relatively short trip to Heidenheim.
Team news
Jordy Makengo and Eren Dinkci are expected to return in the coming weeks, while Cyriaque Irie remains absent.
Daniel-Kofi Kyereh is continuing to make progress regarding his return. The midfielder could be back in the fold in the new year.
Predicted lineup - 4-2-3-1: Atubolu - Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, Treu - Eggestein, Manzambi - Beste, Suzuki, Grifo - Höler
