Preview: 1. FC Heidenheim | OneFootball

From Herning to Heidenheim, where Eintracht are hoping to crown a successful week and extend their record against FCH.

Backdrop

Eintracht are now on an eight-game unbeaten run following the 2-1 victory over FC Midtjylland on Thursday evening. It’s back to Bundesliga business for Dino Toppmöller’s side on Sunday when they travel to Heidenheim on Matchday 12 (kick-off 17:30 CET) looking to extend that streak and consolidate second place in the standings.

Heidenheim have had mixed results in the Bundesliga so far this season, winning three, drawing one and losing seven to sit in 15th place in the table. The UEFA Conference League participants, who lost 2-0 to Chelsea in that competition on Thursday, are without a win in their last six Bundesliga outings and have lost their last three competitive assignments.

Nevertheless, head coach Dino Toppmöller will not be underestimating Frank Schmidt’s side: “They command huge respect, not just from me but from everyone connected with football in Germany. Their journey is incredibly impressive. It’s not been easy for any team to play there.”

Strong in the tackle

Heidenheim have contested more duels than any other Bundesliga team so far this term, averaging 109 per game, of which they have won a league-high 57 percent. Defender Benedikt Gimber has the team’s best success rate in the tackle, and he is set to go directly up against Eintracht’s best in that category too: Omar Marmoush.

Not only that, but alongside Heidenheim attacker Leo Scienza, the Egyptian is the most fouled player in the Bundesliga in 2024/25. Furthermore, Marmoush will be hoping to break new ground when the teams meet on Sunday, as he has never scored against Heidenheim in three previous meetings (with Eintracht and St. Pauli). The 25-year-old has cause for optimism, though, as he has scored more away goals (six) than any other Bundesliga player this season. Despite Heidenheim’s tackling statistics, their backline has not always been rock solid. With 20 goals conceded already, including 11 in the second halves of their games, they have one of the leakiest defences in the league, with only five teams letting in more.

They have particularly struggled to deal with direct, vertical attacks; handily, those are among Eintracht’s strengths.