Heidenheim vs. Leipzig preview: RB fighting for a top four finish
Heidenheim
Heidenheim are one point away from hitting the 35-point mark, which is usually the Bundesliga standard for avoiding relegation. It’s been an incredible season for Frank Schmidt’s men and anything more would only be a bonus.
FCH have been securing a lot of draws of late with three of their last four league results ending in a point. Kleindienst, Beste and Dinkçi will of course be the focal point again on Saturday if Heidenheim want any chance of keeping up with Red Bull’s firepower.
Schmidt commented, “Our claim before the season was to score in every game through passionate and honest football. Nevertheless, we are the blatant outsider tomorrow, but will go to our performance limit to score points. - We all want to continue playing in the Bundesliga next season. If we achieve another victory, we would have 37 points. That would mean class retention.”
Team News
Elidon Qenaj and Thomas Keller remain as the long-term absentees, while Marnon Busch and Adrian Beck are also out.
Leipzig
Leipzig are six league games unbeaten and are in really strong form heading into Matchday 30. They’ve been electric offensively with at least three goals scored in three of their last four matches.
The goal is to secure 4th place, but they could even receive a Champions League nod if the Bundesliga earns a 5th CL spot for next season. Leipzig have a tough schedule to finish out the campaign and could really use another three-point outing this weekend.
In his presser, Marco Rose said, "This international week has shown the competitiveness of the Bundesliga. But, we must focus on ourselves and on the things we can influence. - We want to fulfill our tasks, which continue on Saturday in Heidenheim and qualify for the Champions League at fourth in the table."
Team News
Rose won’t be pacing the touchline, as he’s suspended with an accumulation of yellow cards. Marco Kurth and Alexander Zickler will jointly take over the coaching duties. Yussuf Poulsen and Christopher Lenz are unavailable.