Heidenheim vs. Wolfsburg preview: FCH search for another massive result
Heidenheim host Wolfsburg on Saturday evening and look to claim their 5th straight league game without a defeat.
Heidenheim
Heidenheim drew with the Billy Goats last weekend to continue the club’s impressive league momentum. They sit astonishingly at 9th in the table, far outperforming their relegation-favorite odds to start the season.
They’ve been especially superb from set-pieces thus far, leading the league with 12 goals put away, and they’ve covered the most distance out of all teams. Wolfsburg have the best defensive record among the current lower-table sides, so the likes of Jan-Niklas Beste and Eren Dinkci will be tested.
On their recent play, Frank Schmidt said, “We have become better in defense. Generally accepting the game, believing in yourself, not making yourself smaller and determined to play football passionately. To be capable of suffering at all times and never give up, even after being behind - I think we have proven that often enough."
Team News
Thomas Keller and Elidon Qenaj are expected to remain out, while Marvin Pieringer is suspended.
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg have won just once in their last five league games and drew to lowly Mainz last weekend. Pressure is growing on Niko Kovac to get this talented side back to Europe, but it looks like the trainer may be running out of time if results don’t start coming fast.
Maxence Lacroix and Sebastiaan Bornauw seem to be fighting over a starting spot next to Moritz Jenz in center defense and it’s unclear who will get the nod this weekend. Wolfsburg did beat Heidenheim 2-0 on Matchday 1, but now play away from home, where they’ve only won two games this season.
In his presser, Kovac commented, “This no longer has anything to do with the first game. Heidenheim are now opponents who have high ambitions - and are very dangerous.”
Team News
Lukas Nmecha and Patrick Wimmer are unavailable with injuries. Matthias Svanberg and Aster Vranckx have to serve their yellow-card suspensions.