2024/25 Preview: Broussia Dortmund vs. FC Heidenheim – Who Will Win, Injury News, Predicted Lineups

As Bundesliga action continues, Borussia Dortmund are set to host FC Heidenheim in Round 3 of the 2024/25 season.

The clash at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK promises to be a fascinating contest, with both teams boasting unbeaten starts to the season. While Dortmund look to assert their dominance at home, FC Heidenheim will aim to maintain their red-hot form.

Match Insights

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have made a solid start to the season, collecting four points from their opening two matches. Their form of one win and one draw reflects both their attacking prowess and defensive resilience.

They have scored 10 goals in their last five matches and have kept the most clean sheets in the competition (2). Dortmund have not lost in their last six games, including the two to open this Bundesliga campaign.

In their opening fixture, Dortmund secured a comfortable 2-0 victory at home against Eintracht Frankfurt, showcasing a strong all-around performance.

Their second match saw a gritty 0-0 draw away to Werder Bremen, which highlighted their defensive stability, as they have yet to concede a goal this season.

Historically, Dortmund have the upper hand in this fixture. In their previous three encounters with Heidenheim, they hold one victory and two draws.

Playing in front of their home crowd at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, they will be confident of maintaining their strong form, particularly against a Heidenheim side that is on the rise but has not yet defeated them.

FC Heidenheim

FC Heidenheim have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the early season, sitting top of the Bundesliga with six points from two matches.

Their attacking threat has been evident, having scored 15 goals in their last five matches, including six in their first two games of the season.

They also boast a perfect defensive record, having kept two clean sheets and not conceding any goals thus far.

Heidenheim began their campaign with an emphatic 4-0 home win against St. Pauli, and they followed that up with an impressive 2-0 away victory against Augsburg.

Currently, Heidenheim have won both of their matches convincingly, and they’ll enter this game full of confidence.

Injury News

Borussia Dortmund will be without a few key players for this fixture. Nico Schlotterbeck is suspended, while Giovanni Reyna (groin strain) and Kjell Wätjen (knee injury) are both sidelined, with Reyna expected to return by early October and Wätjen by late September. Serhou Guirassy and Yan Couto are also doubtful with minor injuries but could make a return soon.

FC Heidenheim face their own injury challenges. Julian Niehues is out until mid-December with a cruciate ligament injury, while Thomas Leon Keller is expected to be back by the end of September after suffering a similar injury. Lennard Maloney is also dealing with a back injury but may return soon.

Predicted Lineups

Borussia Dortmund vs FC Heidenheim Predicted Lineup(3-4-2-1):

Kobel; Anton, Sule, Mane; Ryerson, Can, Gross, Malen; Sabitzer, Brandt; Bynoe-Gittens

FC Heidenheim vs Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Muller; Traore, Manika, Gimber, Fohrenbach; Kerber, Schoppner; Beck, Wanner, Scienza, Pieringer

Key Battles

Dortmund’s Attack vs Heidenheim’s Defense: Both sides have been defensively resolute so far, with neither conceding a goal this season. Dortmund’s attack, featuring the creativity of Julian Brandt and the pace of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, will test Heidenheim’s backline. It will be interesting to see how the visitors handle the pressure of playing at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK.
Midfield Dominance: Heidenheim’s Jan Schöppner and Lennard Maloney have been pivotal in maintaining control of the midfield in their opening matches. They’ll face a tough test against Dortmund’s Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer, who offer a blend of experience and tenacity in the center of the park.

Who Will Win?

This matchup promises to be closely contested. Dortmund, playing at home, have the advantage of a passionate crowd behind them and a solid track record against Heidenheim. Their ability to control possession and create chances could make the difference.

However, Heidenheim’s confidence and momentum from their perfect start to the season cannot be underestimated. They have shown they can score goals from various areas of the pitch and have a sturdy defense to rely on.

Ultimately, Dortmund’s home form and the quality they possess in their squad might give them the edge, but expect a closely fought encounter that could see either side take the points.