Frankfurt vs Heidenheim – News and Probable Lineups

Eintracht Frankfurt continues their chase for a top-six finish as they prepare to host Heidenheim at the Deutsche Bank Park this Saturday afternoon.

With only nine matches left, the Eagles are currently nine points behind the European qualification spots, while Heidenheim aims to make the most of their remaining games in the top division before what seems to be certain relegation.

Match overview

Eintracht Frankfurt has faced a tumultuous season across various competitions, and things might worsen as influential sporting director Markus Krosche contemplates his future with the club.

Since joining Frankfurt in 2021, Krosche has overseen a Europa League triumph, a DFB Pokal final, two Champions League seasons, and several major transfers that have improved the club’s financial status.

Despite the recent departures of Randal Kolo Muani (€95m), Hugo Ekitike (€95m) and Omar Marmoush (€75m), Eintracht has faced challenges in securing new talents for the 2025-26 season, leading to their struggles and Krosche’s reflections on his position.

Disappointing exits from the Champions League and DFB Pokal were notable setbacks, but it was the club’s poor performances in the Bundesliga that prompted a change in management.

New head coach Albert Riera has already directed five matches, accumulating eight points, including one loss at Bayern Munich – a promising start for the team.

Last weekend, the Eagles finished in a goalless stalemate against St Pauli, and they will be eager to get back to winning ways as they face off against the Bundesliga’s weakest club.

From a mathematical standpoint, Heidenheim still has a chance to secure their Bundesliga status for the upcoming season, although the reality presents a different picture.

The club currently sits at the bottom of the table following a 12-match winless streak, trailing 10 points from safety with only nine fixtures left to play.

Head coach Frank Schmidt recently expressed that the club requires two miracles for survival instead of just one, while he praised the fans who supported the team in their 4-2 defeat against Hoffenheim last weekend.

That defeat was a reflection of Heidenheim’s season, where they have shown determination but ultimately lack the quality to earn points.

No team has conceded more goals than Heidenheim’s total of 57 this season, and they are also at the bottom for scoring, with only 24 goals to their name.

Setting those statistics aside, Schmidt has urged his players to keep fighting – an approach that has benefited him throughout his two decades at the club.

Eintracht Frankfurt Bundesliga form:

L D W L W D

Heidenheim Bundesliga form:

LLLDLL

Team News

There’s positive news for Eintracht Frankfurt regarding injuries, as Riera welcomed Can Yilmaz Uzun, Michy Batshuayi, and Younes Ebnoutalib back to training.

This trio won’t be available for Saturday’s match, but their recovery is promising – especially with Frankfurt needing more attacking firepower.

Goalkeeper Kaua Santos remains sidelined due to a ligament tear in his knee. Ansgar Knauff is also out after undergoing abdominal surgery.

The defensive pair, Rasmus Kristensen and Arthur Theate, completes the lengthy injury list, both continuing their rehabilitation away from the pitch.

For Heidenheim, midfielder Luca Kerber is likely to retain his starting position after netting twice against Hoffenheim last weekend – his first start since December.

Defender Leart Paqarada will be absent due to a knee injury, while Leonidas Stergiou will miss the fixture with a muscle issue.

Defensive midfielder Jan Schoppner will need to tread carefully, as another yellow card will lead to a suspension.

Eintracht Frankfurt probable starting XI:

Zetterer; Brown, Amenda, Koch, Collins; Larsson, Kalimuendo, Chaibi, Hojlund, Bahoya; Burkardt

Heidenheim probable starting XI:

Ramaj; Traore, Mainka, Gimber, Behrens; Schöppner, Kerber, Dinkci; S. Conteh, C. Conteh; Zivzivadze

Heidenheim hasn’t given up, but their squad’s lack of quality presents significant challenges in competition.

Conversely, Eintracht Frankfurt has serious aspirations for a top-six finish and cannot afford to slip up against a team like FCH. Accordingly, we anticipate a confident victory for the hosts.