Bundesliga | Gameweek 25

Mar 9, 2025 at 4.30pm UK

DnB NOR Arena

Hoffenheim vs Heidenheim

Match preview

Hoffenheim were fortunate to take all three points against Bochum as they failed to create any real chances and only scored through Tom Bischof's long-range strike in the 72nd minute, which goalkeeper Timo Horn will feel he should have saved better.

It is worth noting that the result marked the first time since 12 December that the hosts had failed to keep a clean sheet in any competition.

The Kraichgauer were held to a goalless stalemate by Heidenheim when the two sides met in the league on 27 October, but their unbeaten run against the visitors on Sunday was extended to four games, with two wins and two draws in the last four meetings.

Christian Ilzer's side are unbeaten in their last three league outings - winning twice - but have lost six, drawn three and won just one of their previous 10.

Ilzer's side have been underwhelming at home this season, going winless in their last eight games at the PreZero Arena, losing on four occasions.

Meanwhile, Heidenheim wasted several chances in front of goal against Borussia Monchengladbach, and Patrick Mainka will be particularly disappointed to have missed a golden opportunity in the 49th minute with the score 2-0.

The away side have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last 10 matches and have failed to score in three of their last four Bundesliga games.

Coach Frank Schmidt will be concerned that his side are six points behind 15th-placed St. Pauli, who are the first team outside the relegation zone, although they are just two points clear of the 16th-placed side.

However, Heidenheim will not be able to close the gap without a dramatic improvement in form, having lost 15 of their last 19 Bundesliga games, winning just once.

Schmidt's side have also failed to win any of their last nine league games away from home, losing seven of them.

Recent Performance

Hoffenheim Bundesliga form:DLLWDW

Hoffenheim form (all competitions):WLLWDW

Heidenheim Bundesliga form:LLLLDL

Heidenheim form (all competitions):LWLLDL

Team News

Hoffenheim will be without several of their stars, including defenders Christopher Lenz, Ozan Kabak and Valentin Gendrey, and that could mean Arthur Chaves and Leo Ostigard start at the back.

Midfielder Anton Stach is suspended after picking up a yellow card last time out, and his absence could see Ilzer drop Tom Bischof deeper alongside Finn Ole Becker.

Striker Gift Orban could be joined in attack by Haris Tabakovic, Andrej Kramaric and Max Moerstedt, with forwards Adam Hlozek, Grischa Promel and Ihlas Bebou all ruled out.

For Heidenheim, midfielder Julian Niehues will return to action at the end of the month, but Schmidt could field Jan Schoppner and Niklas Dorsch in a double pivot on Sunday.

Striker Maximilian Breunig is not expected to make his comeback from an ankle problem until the end of March, so Marvin Pieringer could start up front.

Mainka and Benedikt Gimber have been regulars at the back and could be deployed in a back three alongside Tim Siersleben.

Possible starting lineup

Hoffenheim possible starting lineup:

Baumann; Kaderabek, Chaves, Ostigard, Prass; Bischof, Becker; Tabakovic, Kramaric, Moerstedt; Orban

Heidenheim possible starting lineup:

Muller; Mainka, Gimber, Siersleben; Traore, Schoppner, Dorsch, Fohrenbach; Kratzig, Honsak; Pieringer