Heidenheim endeavors to reassert dominance in their performance at Voith-Arena as they prepare to welcome Eintracht Frankfurt for a Bundesliga encounter in gameweek 24, scheduled for Saturday.
The recently promoted team has thus far demonstrated a commendable debut season in the league. They are poised to capitalize on their momentum against Eintracht Frankfurt, who have only secured victory in one away match out of their last seven in the top division.
Match preview
Heidenheim’s previously undefeated streak of six games at their home ground was brought to an end by Xabi Alonso’s team on February 17. While losing to the anticipated Bundesliga title contenders may not be deemed discreditable, Frank Schmidt’s team is eager to mount a response on their home turf, particularly after failing to secure maximum points in their last three matches there.
The recent decline in home performance could possibly be attributed to a diminished conversion rate, as evidenced by their scoring only twice in their last three home fixtures compared to six goals in the preceding three matches at Voith-Arena. Following their 2-1 defeat, the team managed to salvage a point with a 2-2 draw at Union Berlin, courtesy of a 71st-minute equalizer from Jan-Niklas Beste.
Schmidt’s men are optimistic that their recent scoring success, demonstrated by netting twice last weekend, signifies a turning point in their ability to find the back of the net at home once more.
On the contrary, the visiting Frankfurt side enjoys a higher league position and boasts an impressive track record against newly-promoted teams, having remained unbeaten in 11 matches against such opponents. Nevertheless, their recent away form, with only one victory in their last seven Bundesliga outings, raises concerns, especially ahead of facing a team that has demonstrated strong home form in the 2023-24 season.
Their solitary away victory was a narrow 1-0 win against Champions League-chasing RB Leipzig in January, followed by just one more Bundesliga triumph in their last six matches, a 1-0 win against relegation-threatened Mainz. Dino Toppmoller’s team’s recent performances have been less than ideal, with a run of four matches without securing maximum points, culminating in a 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg last weekend.
While their only defeat in the winless streak came against Koln in early February, the inability to keep clean sheets has emerged as a major concern, with the sixth-placed side conceding eight goals in their last four matches. Therefore, their primary objective should be to minimize Heidenheim’s scoring opportunities as much as possible, thus enhancing Frankfurt’s chances against the 10th-placed side.
Team news
The availability of certain players for an upcoming match is subject to uncertainty due to various injuries. Beste’s participation remains in question due to a hamstring ailment, while Elidon Qenaj, Lennard Maloney, and Thomas Keller are unable to participate due to distinct knee injuries.
In light of Beste’s absence, the onus falls upon Tim Kleindienst, who has contributed to ten goals, and Eren Dinkci, with eight goal involvements, to elevate their performance. With Beste’s absence depriving the team of his fifteen goal contributions, their contribution becomes crucial for the forthcoming match.
Additionally, Sasa Kalajdzic and Mehdi Loune are enduring prolonged absences from the away side due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, while Hugo Larsson’s availability remains uncertain.
Furthermore, Ellyes Skhiri is anticipated to recover from a back injury by March, while Sebastian Rode is expected to remain sidelined until April due to a knee issue.
Heidenheim possible starting lineup:
Muller; Traore, Mainka, Gimber, Fohrenbach; Schoppner, Thuerkauf; Dinkci, Dovedan, Beck; Kleindienst
Eintracht Frankfurt possible starting lineup:
Trapp; Buta, Koch, Pacho, Nkounkou; Ebimbe, Tuta, Van de Beek, Knauff; Marmoush, Ekitike