Heidenheim and Borussia Dortmund kick off the Bundesliga weekend with a Friday night clash at the Voith Arena.
Both teams are among the five unbeaten Bundesliga sides in 2024, with Dortmund especially off to a great start this year.
Match preview
In their debut Bundesliga season, Heidenheim is exceeding expectations, comfortably positioned in mid-table and clear of relegation worries.
A six-game unbeaten streak has propelled Frank Schmidt’s team up the standings, continuing their form after the winter break.
Heidenheim finished 2023 strongly, securing three consecutive victories against Darmstadt, Mainz, and Freiburg.
Their performance in 2024 remains solid, drawing all three matches 1-1 so far.
Managing two draws on the road is notable, given their earlier struggles away from home. The only exception was a comeback draw at Signal Iduna Park earlier in the season.
At home, Heidenheim’s record is stronger, remaining unbeaten in their last five and collecting 11 points from 15 available.
This presents a challenge for Dortmund, who aim to keep their perfect 2024 record intact.
After a disappointing end to 2023, Edin Terzic’s squad has bounced back with three straight wins, scoring 10 goals and moving into the top four.
Although a title run seems unlikely, Dortmund is just a point behind Stuttgart in third, eyeing a firmer grip on a Champions League spot.
However, Dortmund’s 2024 victories have come against lower-ranked teams, so facing Heidenheim will be a test of their true strength.
Heidenheim Bundesliga form: W W W D D D
Borussia Dortmund Bundesliga form: L D D W W W
Borussia Dortmund form (all competitions): D D D W W W
Team News
Heidenheim’s Benedikt Gimber might play despite a head injury last week. Denis Thomalla could return after missing games due to illness.
Thomas Keller and Elidon Qenaj are out with knee injuries.
Dortmund has been hit by illness, with Marco Reus, Julian Brandt, and Gregor Kobel missing the last game.
Sebastian Haller is with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Ramy Bensebaini is back after Algeria’s early exit.
Felix Nmecha and Karim Adeyemi are injured, and Julian Ryerson is out with a knee issue.
Possible starting lineups:
Heidenheim: (4-3-3)
Muller;
Traore, Mainka, Siersleben, Fohrenbach;
Schoppner, Maloney, Beck;
Dinkci, Kleindienst, Beste
Borussia Dortmund: (4-3-3)
Kobel;
Meunier, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen;
Sabitzer, Ozcan, Brandt;
Sancho, Fullkrug, Reus
Prediction: Heidenheim 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
Most of Heidenheim’s points have been earned at home, where games often feature lots of goals. But Dortmund’s form in 2024 has been impressive, and they’re likely to secure a win in what promises to be an engaging match.