Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 German Bundesliga
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THE FACTS
When is Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim on and what time does it start? Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim will take place on Friday 1st September, 2023 – 19:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim
Where can I stream Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, Borussia Dortmund vs Heidenheim can be streamed live on the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
It was bad enough that Borussia Dortmund dropped valuable points so early on in the campaign last Saturday, but even worse is that it was against a local rival. Bochum came out of the traps flying in the Ruhrpott derby and stunned BVB with an opening goal on 13 minutes. Whilst Dortmund hit back in the second half, Donyell Malen equalising with his second goal in as many games, the visitors could not press on and find a winner, meaning that they are already trailing their title rivals in the Bundesliga table after just two rounds of fixtures.
However, fans had reason to smile in the week after BVB made a big move to strengthen their frontline after scoring just once in each of their last two games. That move came in the signing of striker Niclas Fullkrug from Werder Bremen, the Bundesliga’s joint-top scorer in the 2022-23 campaign. His goals saw him earn a place in the Germany squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Dortmund have paid a reported €15m for his services, the 30-year-old signing a three-year contract.
HEIDENHEIM
It was all looking so good for Heidenheim in their first ever home Bundesliga fixture last weekend. With a 2-0 lead over Hoffenheim, their first ever victory in the German top flight appeared to be on the cards. However, a dramatic late collapse in the final 15 minutes saw Hoffenheim stage a dramatic comeback, winning 2-3 and breaking Heidenheim hearts in the process.
Jan-Niklas Beste, scorer of that all-important penalty in Heidenheim’s final game of last season, missed from the spot early on against Hoffenheim, but made up for it with a super strike to open his account for the season, whilst Marvin Pieringer also got on the scoresheet, both players expected to be so important across this campaign for Frank Schmitt’s side.
THE TEAM NEWS
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
It remains to be seen as to whether Fullkrug is able to play any part in this match, but when considering the lack of goals scored by the hosts so far this season, it would be no surprise to see him on the bench should he have been signed in time to receive Bundesliga approval.
As it stands, only right-back Thomas Meunier and young forward Julien Duranville are missing through injury. Following those dropped points against Bochum, Marco Reus could come back into the starting line-up, whilst Karim Adeyemi will no doubt be pushing for a place in the XI after being on the bench for the first two rounds.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Can; Malen, Reus, Brandt; Haller
UNAVAILABLE: Meunier (Injured), Duranville (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
HEIDENHEIM
Heidenheim will be forced into a change at left-back with Jonas Fohrenbach absent for this game through illness. The vastly experienced and long-standing Heidenheim servant Norman Theuerkauf will likely be the one to deputise and will need to be at his very best against formidable opposition.
Right-back Marnon-Thomas Busch remains out due to the injury he suffered in the opening weekend of the season, whilst attacker Elidon Qenaj is also still missing.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Muller; Traore, Mainka, Siersleben, Theuerkauf; Dinkci, Maloney, Beck, Beste; Pieringer, Kleindienst
UNAVAILABLE: Busch (Injured), Fohrenbach (Illness), Qenaj (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Plenty of expectation will be on Borussia Dortmund to shake off their recent struggles in front of goal against a newly promoted side who have already conceded five goals after two rounds of this season’s Bundesliga. As hard as Heidenheim work as a unit, the reality of playing in the top flight and the challenges that come with it is starting to show upon their backline, who have struggled to keep their opponents at bay. Ultimately Borussia Dortmund should be way too strong for the visitors and across 90 minutes, it would be a surprise if Edin Terzic’s side weren’t to win by at least two clear goals.
TIP: BORUSSIA DORTMUND TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP
