ScenarioOn paper, the chances are clear for Sunday’s match: after 19 video games, the Black & Yellows are second within the desk, whereas the guests from Heidenheim are at present backside of the league. BVB, with the second-best defence (17 targets conceded), face the league’s weakest assault: Heidenheim have scored 17 targets of their final 19 video games. Nevertheless, Borussia usually are not underestimating FCH: ‘All the pieces all the time seems simple on paper, but it surely takes quite a lot of power and energy to place it into apply – we have now to point out that on Sunday,’ warns Niko Kovac. “These are harmful video games,” stated the BVB coach, recalling the current defeat of league leaders Bayern towards Augsburg (2-1) and the draw between third-placed Leipzig and St. Pauli (1-1).
Personnel mattersNiklas Süle returned to group coaching on Friday after his again issues. “He has recovered,” confirmed Kovac, who will after all additionally welcome again Daniel Svensson, who missed the Champions League match as a consequence of his crimson card suspension, and Salih Özcan, who is just not registered for the Champions League, on Sunday There may be additionally optimistic information for Marcel Sabitzer, who had not too long ago been fighting calf issues: though solely individually, the midfielder is already coaching on the pitch once more.
“It’s not fully out of the query that he received’t at the least have the ability to take his place on the bench.” Nevertheless, Kovac doesn’t need to take any dangers and can depend on the group medical doctors’ evaluation on Sunday. Waldemar Anton, who was nonetheless out with sickness towards Inter Milan, additionally educated individually on Friday. “I hope,” stated the BVB coach, “that everybody might be again on board on Saturday so that we are going to have a full squad on Sunday.”
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Opposition1. FC Heidenheim have solely managed three wins this season. As well as, they’ve 4 attracts and 12 defeats. In consequence, the group led by coach Frank Schmidt, who has been in workplace since 2007 and is thus the longest-serving of all present Bundesliga coaches, are at present backside of the desk of their third season within the German prime flight. What’s extra, BVB have by no means misplaced to Heidenheim (). Nonetheless, “Each single group within the Bundesliga is troublesome to play towards – we have now to method this recreation with seriousness,” says Niko Kovac. “Solely if you make investments 100% in your dedication, physicality and depth will your high quality come to the fore.” With Diant Ramaj, Heidenheim are pinning their hopes on a participant who’s formally below contract with Borussia Dortmund. The goalkeeper is on mortgage to Heidenheim till the tip of the season.
Favorite opponentOn paper, Maximilian Beier has not fared higher towards any membership in his Bundesliga profession than towards 1. FC Heidenheim. The Borussia participant (for Hoffenheim and BVB) has performed towards the membership from Baden-Württemberg a complete of 5 occasions, scoring three targets – together with his very first aim within the Bundesliga. Again then, nonetheless sporting the Hoffenheim jersey, Beier scored in a 3-2 win within the 2023/24 season and received the penalty that led to the decisive aim for TSG. Beier has scored twice in three video games towards FCH for BVB.
Nina Bargel-Neuhaus