As the spotlight shines on the Voith-Arena this Thursday evening, Heidenheim and Chelsea will face off in a highly anticipated Europa League clash, both looking to maintain their impeccable records in this continental competition.
After a heavy defeat to the reigning Bundesliga champions, Heidenheim are looking to bounce back, while Chelsea continue to thrive under their innovative management, accompanied by a promising start to their Premier League campaign.
Match Preview
Frank Schmidt, in charge of Heidenheim since 2007, admitted his aspirations were once limited to reaching the second tier of German football. Yet, against all odds, the underdogs now find themselves faced with the formidable task of challenging two-time European champions Chelsea at a prestigious European event.
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Despite a lack of experience on the continental stage, FCH have surprisingly flown through their first three matches of the 2024-25 Europa League season, picking up wins against NK Olimpija Ljubljana, Pafos FC, and Scottish side Hearts. This remarkable form places the hosts in sixth place in the vast 36-team league table.
Heidenheim’s eighth-place finish last season saw them qualify for the Europa League, but this season has proved tougher, with the team currently sitting 15th in the Bundesliga, just above newly promoted St. Pauli in the relegation zone.
Returning from the international break, Heidenheim endured a grueling trip to Bayer Leverkusen, where, despite starting well with a two-goal lead through Niklas Dorsch and Mathias Honsak, they succumbed to a crushing 5-2 defeat.
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Compounding their worries, Heidenheim are struggling domestically, going on a seven-game winless run in the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, raising concerns as they prepare for this high-stakes clash against Chelsea.
At the other end of the spectrum, Chelsea have shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in November following their EFL Cup exit to Newcastle at the end of October. Their last victory came against Leicester City, where Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring—his seventh Premier League goal this season—while Enzo Fernandez sealed the victory with a second goal.
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With eight points accumulated in four league games since their defeat against Liverpool, Chelsea, under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, currently sit third in the Premier League table, one point behind second-placed Manchester City.
When it comes to their Europa League journey, Chelsea have established themselves as clear favorites, scoring an impressive total of 16 goals in their first three games. Their previous match featured a dominant display, with Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku both scoring braces in a thumping 8-0 win over Armenian club FC Noah.
Team News
In team news, Heidenheim suffered a major blow with the injury of their top scorer Marvin Pieringer, who was out until early February with an Achilles tendon problem. He is joined on the unavailable list by Luka Jens, who has not played this season due to a shoulder injury. The club also has other fitness issues, notably with midfielders Thomas Leon Keller and Julian Niehues.
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For Chelsea, Pedro Neto is racing against time to recover from a minor knock sustained during international duty, while Reece James’ latest hamstring injury leaves the team anxious as they await the results of the examinations, his return remaining uncertain. Malo Gusto is also a doubt after missing the game against Leicester through illness.
Due to a busy schedule over the festive period, Chelsea are expected to rotate their squad, which could allow players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga to start in the starting XI.
Predicted compositions
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Possible starting lineups from Heidenheim:
Muller; Traore, Manika, Gimber, Fohrenbach ; Dorsch, Maloney, Schoppner ; Conteh, Honsak, Wanner
Possible Chelsea starting lineups:
Jorgensen ; Disai, Badiashile, Adarabioyo, Veiga ; Caicedo, George, Nkunku, Felix, Mudryk ; Guide
Prediction: Heidenheim 1-3 Chelsea
Barely a decade after playing in the third tier of German football, Heidenheim is now set to host one of Europe’s giants this Thursday evening. Although Chelsea may field a revamped team, the excitement among FCH supporters is palpable, even as a heavy defeat appears to be on the horizon.
For more in-depth analysis on potential outcomes, scores and other relevant details regarding this matchup, click here.
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