Match Information
Match Overview
Heidenheim welcome Union Berlin to the Voith-Arena for Matchday 29 of the Bundesliga season, with both teams locked in a battle to avoid relegation. Currently occupying 18th position with just 15 points from 27 matches, Heidenheim find themselves in desperate need of points to climb out of the automatic relegation zone. Union Berlin, sitting 9th with 31 points, have created some breathing room but remain within touching distance of the relegation battle.
The injury crisis at Heidenheim presents a significant challenge for Frank Schmidt's side. Key attacking threats Burak Zivzivadze and Stefan Conteh are both sidelined with knee injuries, severely limiting the hosts' already modest goalscoring output of just 27 goals this season. The absence of midfielder Jan Schoppner due to suspension further depletes their options in the center of the park. For Union Berlin, the absence of Andi Schafer through suspension removes an important midfield presence, while Robert Skov's muscle injury sidelines another attacking option.
Recent form heavily favors the visitors, who have shown greater resilience in their fight for survival. While Heidenheim have managed just three wins all season and possess the league's worst defensive record with 61 goals conceded, Union Berlin have demonstrated the ability to grind out results when needed. Their recent 1-0 victory at Freiburg showcased their defensive organization under Steffen Baumgart.
The head-to-head history slightly favors Heidenheim, particularly in recent Bundesliga encounters where they have secured memorable victories including a 3-0 triumph in Berlin and a 2-0 home win. However, their current predicament suggests they will need to produce something extraordinary to claim another crucial victory in their relegation fight.
Predicted Lineups
1. FC Heidenheim
D. Ramaj; M. Busch, P. Mainka, B. Gimber, H. Behrens; L. Kerber, A. Beck, N. Dorsch; E. Dinkci, M. Pieringer, C. Conteh
Union Berlin
F. Ronnow; D. Doekhi, L. Querfeld, S. Nsoki; C. Trimmel, J. Haberer, A. Kemlein, R. Khedira, D. Kohn; T. Skarke, L. Burcu
Team Form Analysis
1. FC Heidenheim
1. FC Heidenheim Form Analysis
Heidenheim's recent form paints a concerning picture of a team struggling to compete at Bundesliga level. Their latest results show an alarming pattern of defensive vulnerability, exemplified by shipping three goals in a draw with Bayer Leverkusen and four goals in a home defeat to Hoffenheim. The attacking statistics reveal their fundamental problem - managing just 27 goals in 27 matches represents one of the poorest offensive outputs in recent Bundesliga history.
Frank Schmidt's side have shown glimpses of resilience, earning draws against quality opposition like VfB Stuttgart and securing a rare victory over Freiburg earlier in the season. However, their away form has been particularly damaging to their survival hopes, collecting just one win and four points from 13 away fixtures. The defensive frailties are evident in their inability to keep clean sheets throughout the campaign, with 61 goals conceded highlighting systemic issues at the back. Their home form at the Voith-Arena offers slightly more encouragement with two wins and five draws from 14 matches, but even their fortress has been breached too easily by visiting teams. The injury problems affecting their attack make an already difficult situation even more challenging as they face the prospect of relegation.
Union Berlin
Union Berlin Form Analysis
Union Berlin have shown marked improvement under Steffen Baumgart, demonstrating the tactical discipline and fighting spirit that has characterized their Bundesliga journey. Their recent form includes valuable victories against Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen, alongside a crucial win over Koln, suggesting they have found the formula for survival. The 4-0 defeat at Bayern Munich represents the type of result that can be expected against title contenders, but their ability to bounce back with positive results indicates mental resilience.
Defensively, Union have tightened considerably compared to their early season struggles, managing six clean sheets across the campaign. Their 31 goals scored demonstrates a modest but functional attacking approach, with Tim Skarke and Livan Burcu providing pace and movement in the final third. The 3-5-2 formation has provided stability, allowing their wing-backs to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive solidity. Away from home, Union have secured four wins from 14 matches, which represents a solid platform for survival. Their experience of Bundesliga relegation battles, combined with Baumgart's tactical acumen, has created a team capable of grinding out results when needed. The recent performances suggest they have sufficient quality and character to maintain their top-flight status comfortably.
Head-to-Head
1. FC Heidenheim
Union Berlin
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-29 | Union Berlin | 1 - 2 | 1. FC Heidenheim |
| 2025-05-10 | Union Berlin | 0 - 3 | 1. FC Heidenheim |
| 2025-01-11 | 1. FC Heidenheim | 2 - 0 | Union Berlin |
| 2024-02-24 | Union Berlin | 2 - 2 | FC Heidenheim |
| 2023-09-30 | FC Heidenheim | 1 - 0 | Union Berlin |
| 2022-10-19 | Union Berlin | 2 - 0 | FC Heidenheim |
| 2019-03-15 | FC Heidenheim | 2 - 1 | Union Berlin |
| 2018-10-07 | Union Berlin | 1 - 1 | FC Heidenheim |
| 2018-04-21 | Union Berlin | 1 - 1 | FC Heidenheim |
| 2017-11-18 | FC Heidenheim | 4 - 3 | Union Berlin |
Memorable Matches
The recent Bundesliga encounters between these sides have produced several memorable moments that highlight the competitive nature of their rivalry. Union Berlin's 2-2 draw at home in February 2024 showcased the unpredictable nature of these fixtures, with both teams demonstrating attacking intent despite their respective league positions. Heidenheim's remarkable 3-0 victory at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei in May 2025 stands out as one of their finest Bundesliga performances, silencing the passionate Union support with a display of clinical finishing and defensive organization.
Perhaps most memorably, their first-ever Bundesliga meeting in September 2023 saw Heidenheim secure a 1-0 victory at the Voith-Arena, marking a significant milestone in the club's history. The emotional weight of that triumph, achieved in front of their home support against established Bundesliga opposition, demonstrated the remarkable journey of the small-town club to Germany's top flight. These encounters have consistently produced entertaining football, with both teams showing willingness to commit players forward despite their precarious league positions, creating an engaging spectacle for neutrals.
Venue Factor
The Voith-Arena has become a symbol of Heidenheim's remarkable rise through German football, though its intimate atmosphere hasn't translated into fortress-like home form this season. With a capacity of just over 15,000, the stadium creates a unique Bundesliga environment where every tackle and decision can be felt throughout the ground. The passionate local support has remained loyal despite their team's struggles, creating an emotional backdrop that could inspire a crucial performance when points are desperately needed.
However, Heidenheim's home record of two wins and five draws from 14 matches suggests the venue advantage has been limited against Bundesliga opposition. The compact nature of the stadium can work both ways - while it amplifies home support, it also intensifies pressure on the home players when results aren't going their way. Union Berlin's away record of four wins from 14 matches demonstrates their ability to perform away from the familiar confines of the Alte Forsterei. Their supporters are renowned for their vocal backing and traveling contingent should provide strong support. The contrast between the two venues - Union's atmospheric but larger stadium versus Heidenheim's intimate setting - could play a psychological role in how both teams adapt to the occasion.
Injury Concerns
1. FC Heidenheim
Union Berlin
