Heidenheim vs Union Berlin preview: Sides in need of reset go head-to-head

With both sides enduring dismal runs prior to the winter break, Heidenheim take on Union Berlin at Voith Arena with both sides in need of a reset.

Heidenheim

Heidenheim’s defeat to last-placed Bochum last time out proved to be their most concerning performance of the campaign thus far; a match in which they failed to create a single big chance against a team winless this season.

Frank Schmidt’s side have scored 18 goals whilst conceding 33 thus far into the campaign, giving the club the fifth-worst attacking and third-worst defensive records in the Bundesliga.

Heidenheim’s form is even more alarming when it is considered that they are winless in their last nine matches, losing eight of these. The hosts have also failed to secure a win on home soil in their last seven.

Team News

Heidenheim manager Frank Schmidt has a nearly full squad, although forward Marvin Pieringer is suspended, and midfielder Julian Niehues remains sidelined until late January.

In midfield, Niklas Dorsch and Jan Schöppner are expected to form a double pivot, with Paul Wanner potentially taking on an advanced role. Up front, Leo Scienza and Mathias Honsak are likely to support striker Mikkel Kaufmann on the wings.

Union Berlin

After sacking Bo Svensson during the break, Union icon Steffen Baumgart steps into the dugout after being relieved of his previous duties as Hamburg boss in November. 

Union’s form prior to the break was incredibly concerning, with the club entering the Christmas period winless in their last eight top-flight fixtures. 

Union have also lost out on a point after an incident with a lighter being thrown onto the pitch against Bochum was ruled to have severely impacted the match, awarding Bochum a 2-0 win, replacing the original 1-1 result.

Die Eisernen do have a positive defensive record, however, with only St. Pauli and Bayern München carrying either equal or better records. However, after conceding just four goals in their first seven matches of the season, Union went on to ship 15 in the subsequent eight fixtures. 

Saturday’s visitors have also won just two of their last 24 Bundesliga away matches.

Team News

Union Berlin will be missing midfielder Rani Khedira due to suspension, while Laszlo Benes is doubtful, leaving Andras Schäfer and Aljoscha Kemlein as probable starters in central midfield.

Strikers Andrej Ilic and Ivan Prtajin have been ruled out, which may see Jordan Siebatcheu partner Benedict Hollerbach in a front two.

Additionally, goalkeepers Frederik Ronnow and Yannic Stein, along with defender Jerome Roussillon, are unlikely to feature on Saturday. However, centre-back Kevin Vogt has a strong chance of being included in the starting XI.