Heidenheim vs. Union Berlin preview: Can FCH beat slumping Union?
In-form Eren Dinkci and Heidenheim host Union, who have fallen into a slump and currently lack a consistent scoring threat up front.
Heidenheim
After defeating Bremen, Heidenheim were taken down by Leverkusen last week and are still on the hunt for their second win of the campaign. Saturday will especially be an emotional contest for midfielder Lennard Maloney, who faces his hometown club for the first time in the top flight.
In some major news for the club, Heidenheim’s municipal council approved a potential development plan for the Voith-Arena on Thursday. This would allow Heidenheim to expand their stadium and build more infrastructure in the surrounding areas within the coming years.
Trainer Frank Schmidt commented, "We know that we play in the Bundesliga, what kind of opponents we play against. We also knew that (losses) would happen. - We need points every now and then against teams where it doesn't look likely at first."
Team News
Marnon Busch and Kevin Sessa are their only two absentees.
Union Berlin
Union have lost each of their last four competitive games and are really struggling to find answers offensively. Kevin Behrens hasn’t looked like the striker that started the season and Sheraldo Becker is yet to find the back of the net.
The spine of their lineup is also hurting with the losses of Rani Khedira and Robin Knoche to the injury list. It’s the start of another busy week for Union who play Braga at home in the Champions League before traveling to Dortmund on the weekend.
When asked about the coach on the other touchline on Saturday, Urs Fischer said, "We exchange ideas when we see each other. (Schmidt) does a fantastic job, you can see his handwriting from the way the team plays."
Team News
Khedira, Knoche, Andras Schäfer, and Laurenz Dehl are injured, while Kevin Volland is suspended.