18 janvier 2025. 16:30. Heidenheim. Voith Arena.
Bundesliga 2024-25. Day 18
Suspensions : Adam Dzwigala (“St. Pauli”)
Injuries : Jonas Fehrenbach, Matthias Gonsak, Julian Niguez – Sasha Burkert, Seren Alers, Lars Ritzka, Karol Mets, Connor Metcalf, Robert Wagner, Simon Zoller
Doubtful: Niklas Dorsch (“Heidenheim”)
Heidenheim
Frank Schmidt’s side had an excellent start to the 2024-25 season, but things quickly took a turn for the worse with the arrival of Conference League games midweek. In this European tournament, thanks to a favorable schedule, the “red” team experienced positive emotions, winning against relatively weaker clubs like Paphos, Olympia, and Harts. However, this source of optimism quickly dried up. In the end, Heidenheim managed to qualify for the knockout stages of the Conference League – in February they will face Copenhagen in a play-off match – but for now their priority has to be the Bundesliga.
-At the end of October, the “red” team exited the DFB-Pokal, losing 1-2 to Hertha Berlin, and their winless streak in the Bundesliga reached an incredible ten games , nine of which ended in defeat. They also became the first team this season to lose to Holstein and Bochum, who are both in the relegation zone. During the winter transfer window, Heidenheim signed two new players: flanker Franz Kreitzig arrived on loan from Bayern, and Georgian striker Buda Zivziadze joined Karlsruhe, having scored 12 goals in 17 games in the 2. Bundesliga. Kreitzig scored the decisive goal on his debut against Union Berlin, helping his team to a 2–0 victory. Recently, Heidenheim fought valiantly against Werder Bremen and managed to secure a 3-3 draw at Weser, having trailed three times during the match, with goals from Jan Scheppner, Luka Kerber, and Leo Skienca.
St. Pauli
The “Pirates” achieved a remarkable victory before the winter break, beating Stuttgart 1-0 away. This marked Alexander Blessin’s fourth victory of the season, and already his third away victory. Before that, Hamburg also had victories against Freiburg (3-0) and Hoffenheim (2-0), and their only home victory was against Holstein, with a score of 3-1. However, since the start of the new year, St. Pauli has yet to score a goal or accumulate any points. In their first match after the winter break, the “Pirates” lost 0-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt, and this week they suffered a similar fate, losing 0-1 away facing Bochum. With 14 points earned last year, St. Pauli currently sits just above the relegation zone, just three points clear, making this match against a neighbor in the table all the more crucial. a competitive point of view.
Heidenheim vs St. Pauli: Predictable Lineups
Heidenheim will be without starting left back Jonas Fehrenbach, versatile Matthias Gonsak, and replacement Julian Niguez due to injuries. In addition, there are serious doubts about the participation of midfielder Niklas Dorsch, who had to be replaced quickly in the match against Werder. Luka Kerber replaced Dorsch brilliantly and should do so again this time. For St. Pauli, suspended central defender Adam Dzwigala will be absent, while a large group of players from various positions are still unavailable due to injuries.
Heidenheim vs St. Pauli: Author’s Prediction
At the start of the season, Heidenheim beat Hamburg 2–0 with goals from Paul Vanner and Jan Scheppner. Currently, Frank Schmidt’s side are once again considered favorites in this clash, although it is worth noting that St. Pauli have won their last three meetings at Voith Arena, albeit in the 2. Bundesliga. Sooner or later, every series must end, so the “Reds” have the opportunity to do it here and now. However, I’m not 100% convinced of a Heidenheim victory, but sometimes taking a risk can pay off.
