Match Information
Match Overview
Matchday 28 presents a crucial mid-season encounter as Borussia Mönchengladbach host struggling 1. FC Heidenheim at the Borussia-Park. This Regular Season fixture carries significant weight in the relegation battle, with Heidenheim languishing in 18th position with just 15 points from 27 matches, while Gladbach sit precariously in 13th on 29 points, still not entirely safe from the drop zone themselves.
The injury situation will heavily influence this encounter's dynamics. Gladbach face the absence of striker Tim Kleindienst due to a knee injury, robbing them of a key attacking outlet who has been instrumental in their recent improved performances. Goalkeeper Tobias Sippel is also sidelined with a muscle injury, while Tiago Pereira Cardoso remains questionable with illness. For Heidenheim, the losses are equally damaging - striker Budu Zivzivadze and midfielder Jan Schöppner are both unavailable, with Schöppner suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Additionally, Stefan Conteh's knee injury removes another attacking option for Frank Schmidt's side.
The head-to-head record heavily favors Gladbach, who have dominated recent encounters with three consecutive victories, including comprehensive 3-0 wins in their last two meetings. Heidenheim's defensive frailties are evident in their statistics - 61 goals conceded in 27 matches represents the worst defensive record in the Bundesliga. Their away form has been particularly dire, managing just one victory in 13 road fixtures this season.
With both teams desperate for points but Heidenheim facing a relegation crisis, this match represents a golden opportunity for Gladbach to pull further away from danger while potentially dealing a decisive blow to their visitors' survival hopes.
Predicted Lineups
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Nicolas; Sander, Elvedi, Diks; Scally, Reitz, Engelhardt, Castrop; Honorat, Stoger; Tabakovic
1. FC Heidenheim
Ramaj; Busch, Mainka, Gimber, Behrens; Kerber, Niehues, Dorsch; Dinkci, Honsak, Conteh
Team Form Analysis
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Mönchengladbach Form Analysis
Gladbach's recent form presents a picture of inconsistency that has characterized much of their season. From their last five matches, they've managed just seven points from a possible fifteen, highlighting their struggle for momentum. The 3-3 draw with FC Köln demonstrated both their attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities, while their 2-0 victory over FC St. Pauli provided a rare moment of solidity. However, heavy defeats to Bayern München (4-1) and VfB Stuttgart (3-0) exposed their limitations against quality opposition.
Defensively, Gladbach have been alarmingly porous, conceding 46 goals in 27 league matches. Their defensive record at home shows some improvement with 21 goals conceded in 13 fixtures, but this remains concerning for a team trying to establish mid-table security. Offensively, they've shown flashes of quality, particularly in their ability to create chances through wide areas with players like Franck Honorat providing pace and directness.
The team's home form offers some encouragement with four wins from thirteen matches, though this still falls short of the standards needed for comfortable survival. Their recent performances suggest a team capable of moments of quality but lacking the defensive foundation necessary for consistent results. The absence of Tim Kleindienst will test their attacking depth significantly.
1. FC Heidenheim
1. FC Heidenheim Form Analysis
Heidenheim's form reads like a relegation story waiting to be written. With just three wins from 27 matches and a catastrophic goal difference of minus-34, Frank Schmidt's side are in freefall. Their recent run includes five defeats in their last six outings, with only a 3-3 draw against Bayer Leverkusen providing any respite from the gloom. The 4-2 defeat to Hoffenheim epitomized their defensive frailties, while losses to Eintracht Frankfurt and Werder Bremen highlighted their inability to compete even against mid-table opposition.
Away from home, Heidenheim's record is among the worst in Bundesliga history, with just one victory in 13 attempts. They've managed only nine goals on the road while conceding 27, statistics that paint a picture of a team completely out of their depth at this level. Their defensive organization completely collapses under pressure, as evidenced by shipping 61 goals in 27 matches overall.
The attacking department offers little hope either, with key striker Budu Zivzivadze struggling for consistency before his injury. Without him and with limited creative options, Heidenheim rely heavily on set pieces and individual moments of quality. Their inability to maintain leads, demonstrated in multiple matches where they've taken early advantages only to capitulate, suggests deep-rooted confidence issues that may prove insurmountable in their fight against relegation.
Head-to-Head
Borussia Mönchengladbach
1. FC Heidenheim
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-22 | 1. FC Heidenheim | 0 - 3 | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| 2025-03-01 | 1. FC Heidenheim | 0 - 3 | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| 2024-10-19 | Borussia Mönchengladbach | 3 - 2 | 1. FC Heidenheim |
| 2024-03-16 | FC Heidenheim | 1 - 1 | Borussia Monchengladbach |
| 2023-10-31 | Borussia Monchengladbach | 3 - 1 | FC Heidenheim |
| 2023-10-28 | Borussia Monchengladbach | 2 - 1 | FC Heidenheim |
| 2011-10-25 | FC Heidenheim | 0 - 0 | Borussia Monchengladbach |
Memorable Matches
The head-to-head history between these sides is relatively brief but has produced some compelling encounters. Their most recent meeting in November 2025 saw Gladbach deliver a comprehensive 3-0 victory at the Voith-Arena, effectively continuing their dominance in this fixture. The match showcased Gladbach's superior quality and tactical organization against Heidenheim's limited resources.
Perhaps the most dramatic encounter occurred in October 2024 when Gladbach prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling contest at the Borussia-Park. That match encapsulated both teams' characteristics - Gladbach's attacking flair combined with defensive lapses, and Heidenheim's fighting spirit despite ultimately falling short. The visitors twice came from behind before succumbing to a late winner.
An intriguing footnote in their rivalry dates back to 2011 when they met in the DFB Pokal. Gladbach, then in the Bundesliga, needed penalties to overcome lower-division Heidenheim after a goalless encounter. That match highlighted the giant-killing potential that Heidenheim possessed during their rise through the German football pyramid, though such underdog magic has been notably absent during their Bundesliga struggles.
Venue Factor
The Borussia-Park has provided mixed fortunes for Gladbach this season, with their home record of four wins, four draws, and five defeats from thirteen matches falling well short of the fortress-like atmosphere they've cultivated in previous campaigns. However, the venue still offers psychological advantages, particularly against a Heidenheim side that has shown little resilience on their travels.
Gladbach's supporters create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, and the familiar surroundings should benefit players like Franck Honorat and Kevin Stöger, who have shown their best form in front of the home crowd. The pitch dimensions and playing surface at the Borussia-Park typically favor a more expansive style of play, which could suit Gladbach's preference for wide attacking play.
For Heidenheim, their woeful away record of just one victory in 13 attempts makes the Borussia-Park feel like hostile territory even before considering the vocal home support. The psychological burden of their poor traveling form, combined with the pressure of their relegation battle, could prove overwhelming in this environment. Their defensive frailties become even more exposed away from home, where they've conceded twice as many goals per game compared to their home fixtures, suggesting the venue factor could prove decisive in determining the outcome of this crucial encounter.
Injury Concerns
Borussia Mönchengladbach
1. FC Heidenheim
