BVB with players returning for Bundesliga clash with Heidenheim | OneFootball

ScenarioOn paper, the odds are clear for Sunday's match: after 19 games, the Black & Yellows are second in the table, while the visitors from Heidenheim are currently bottom of the league. BVB, with the second-best defence (17 goals conceded), face the league's weakest attack: Heidenheim have scored 17 goals in their last 19 games. However, Borussia are not underestimating FCH: ‘Everything always looks easy on paper, but it takes a lot of energy and strength to put it into practice – we have to show that on Sunday,’ warns Niko Kovac. “These are dangerous games,” said the BVB coach, recalling the recent defeat of league leaders Bayern against Augsburg (2-1) and the draw between third-placed Leipzig and St. Pauli (1-1).

Personnel mattersNiklas Süle returned to team training on Friday after his back problems. “He has recovered,” confirmed Kovac, who will of course also welcome back Daniel Svensson, who missed the Champions League match due to his red card suspension, and Salih Özcan, who is not registered for the Champions League, on Sunday There is also positive news for Marcel Sabitzer, who had recently been struggling with calf problems: although only individually, the midfielder is already training on the pitch again. 

“It’s not completely out of the question that he won’t at least be able to take his place on the bench.” However, Kovac does not want to take any risks and will rely on the team doctors’ assessment on Sunday. Waldemar Anton, who was still out with illness against Inter Milan, also trained individually on Friday. “I hope,” said the BVB coach, “that everyone will be back on board on Saturday so that we will have a full squad on Sunday.”

Opposition1. FC Heidenheim have only managed three wins this season. In addition, they have four draws and 12 defeats. As a result, the team led by coach Frank Schmidt, who has been in office since 2007 and is thus the longest-serving of all current Bundesliga coaches, are currently bottom of the table in their third season in the German top flight. What’s more, BVB have never lost to Heidenheim (see facts). Nevertheless, “Every single team in the Bundesliga is difficult to play against – we have to approach this game with seriousness,” says Niko Kovac. “Only when you invest 100% in your commitment, physicality and intensity will your quality come to the fore.” With Diant Ramaj, Heidenheim are pinning their hopes on a player who is officially under contract with Borussia Dortmund. The goalkeeper is on loan to Heidenheim until the end of the season.

Favourite opponentOn paper, Maximilian Beier has not fared better against any club in his Bundesliga career than against 1. FC Heidenheim. The Borussia player (for Hoffenheim and BVB) has played against the club from Baden-Württemberg a total of five times, scoring three goals – including his very first goal in the Bundesliga. Back then, still wearing the Hoffenheim jersey, Beier scored in a 3-2 win in the 2023/24 season and won the penalty that led to the decisive goal for TSG. Beier has scored twice in three games against FCH for BVB.

Nina Bargel-Neuhaus