FC Cologne vs Heidenheim – News and Probable Lineups

Currently struggling in the Bundesliga, a revitalized Heidenheim will face the promoted team FC Koln at RheinEnergieStadion this Sunday.

The Billy Goats search for their first victory in four games, whereas FCH aims for their third win in five attempts.

Match overview

Koln secured their top-flight status by clinching the Meisterschale in the 2.Bundesliga last season and are now on the verge of maintaining their first-division position for another year.

In their latest outing, Koln managed a 2-2 draw against Union Berlin but will feel disheartened about giving up a two-goal lead set by Marius Bulter and Said El Mala.

Despite the setback, Rene Wagner’s squad has only lost once in their last seven matches, sustaining a commendable performance that currently places them 14th in the standings, six points ahead of sixth-placed Wolfsburg.

With just two games left in the Bundesliga for the 2025-26 season, even a draw this weekend could ensure their safety.

However, the pressure will be palpable at RheinEnergieStadion, and though most fans should feel hopeful, some might harbor doubts about their team’s prospects against a team fighting for survival.

This unease stems from Koln’s recent form, having secured only one victory in their last 12 matches, a dismal run dating back to a 1-0 win against Wolfsburg on January 30.

On the other hand, Frank Schmidt’s Heidenheim narrowly escaped relegation by winning the playoff in 2024-25 and will need to replicate that performance this time to avoid dropping to the second tier.

A few weeks ago, it looked likely that FCH would return to the 2.Bundesliga before the season concluded, but a surprising turnaround following a 1-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on March 14 has granted them hope.

Since that defeat, Schmidt has guided his team to a record of two victories, three draws, and just one loss, nearly clinching a win in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich last Saturday.

While Heidenheim remains at the bottom of the league, their determined spirit has brought them within three points of both 17th-placed St Pauli and 16th-placed Wolfsburg with just two matches remaining.

The traveling fans will be hopeful but know that anything less than a win could seal their team’s fate.

Considering this, FCH will have to overcome a poor away record, having achieved just one victory on the road this term—a 2-1 success against Union Berlin on November 29.

Team News

This weekend, Koln will be stretched in defense as they will be missing center-backs Timo Hubers and Luca Kilian due to knee injuries, although Kilian is nearing a return.

To compound issues, fellow defender Rav van den Berg is doubtful due to a muscle concern, while defensive midfielder Eric Martel is suspended after receiving his tenth yellow card of the season against Union Berlin.

In their absence, Wagner is likely to field Jahmai Simpson-Pusey and Cenk Ozcakar as his central defensive partnership, with Sebastian Sebulonsen and Kristoffer Lund Hansen filling the full-back roles.

At the other end, striker Ragnar Ache will be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a hamstring injury against St Pauli on April 17, leaving 19-year-old Said El Mala to lead the attack once more.

For Heidenheim, left winger Mathias Honsak will not feature on Sunday as he is still recovering from an ankle injury, and attacking midfielder Sirlord Conteh is also absent for the final matches of the season because of a knee injury.

Additionally, another attacking midfielder, Christian Conteh, is unavailable due to personal matters this weekend, which means Arijon Ibrahimovic and Eren Dinkci are expected to support Budu Zivzivadze and Marvin Pieringer in attacking roles.

In other news, left-back Leart Paqarada is recovering from a long-term cruciate ligament injury but is not expected to be fit in time, meaning loanee Hennes Behrens is set to start on the left side of Schmidt’s defense.

FC Koln probable starting XI:

Swabian; Sebulonsen, Simpson-Pusey, Ozakacar, Lund; Krauss, Johannesson; Waldschmidt, Kaminski, Bulter; El Mala

Heidenheim probable starting XI:

Ramaj; Busch, Mainka, Fohrenbach, Behrens; Dinkci, Schoppner, Dorsch, Ibrahimovic; Pieringer, Zivzivadze

Despite showing resilience lately, Koln has struggled to secure victories, and it remains to be seen if they can reach the required performance level to withstand a determined Heidenheim outfit.

FCH has demonstrated a remarkable resurgence as the season nears its close and could enhance their survival chances with another three points this Sunday.