Hoffenheim vs. Heidenheim preview: Ilzer eyes home redemption against relegation strugglers | OneFootball

Hoffenheim

Christian Ilzer's men head into the weekend on a high after securing a commanding 3-0 win against St. Pauli last time out - inspired by second-half goals from the exciting Bazoumana Toure, Andrej Kramaric and Grischa Prömel.

The result lifted Hoffenheim to eighth in the Bundesliga table, one point behind sixth-placed Köln, and within touching distance of the European spots.

Despite their positive form away from home, the Sinsheimers have struggled at home this season, losing all three of their matches at the PreZero Arena. Christian Ilzer will be eager to turn that around at the weekend, with a victory potentially propelling his side into the top six. 

Team News

Defensive options remain limited for Hoffenheim, with Kevin Frees, Koki Machida, Hennes Behrens and Valentin Gendrey all sidelined. 

Adam Hlozek also remains out with an ankle problem, leaving Kramaric and Toure to operate behind forwards Fisnik Asllani and Tim Lemperle.

Predicted lineup - 4-2-2-2: Baumann - Coufal, Hranac, Hajdari, Bernardo - Avdullahu, Burger - Kramaric, Toure - Asllani, Lemperle

Heidenheim

After surviving via last season's relegation play-offs, Heidenheim are once again facing a tough battle at the bottom end of the table. Frank Schmidt's side have managed just one win from their opening seven league games, but showed resilience last weekend by twice coming behind to draw 2-2 with Werder Bremen.

That point lifted FCH to 17th in the standings, ahead of Borussia Mönchengladbach. And, with Wolfsburg losing four on the bounce, another positive result could see them move out of the relegation zone entirely. 

However, Heidenheim are yet to pick up a single point away from home this campaign - a worrying trend ahead of their trip across Baden-Württemberg to Sinsheim.

Team News

Sirlord Conteh, Leard Paqarada and goalkeeper Frank Feller all remain unavailable through knee injuries, with Paqarada not expected to return until late in the season. 

Mikkel Kaufmann is a doubt due to a groin issue, so Budu Zivizivadze is likely to lead the line.

Predicted lineup - 4-2-2: Ramaj - Traore, Mainka, Siersleben, Föhrenbach - Schöppner, Dorsch - Ibrahmovic, Beck - Schimmer, Zivzivadze