Heidenheim vs. Bayer Leverkusen – News and Probable Lineups

Bayer Leverkusen will aim to secure a spot in the Bundesliga’s top four when they visit bottom-placed Heidenheim at Voith Arena this Saturday.

The home team’s prospects of staying in the league appear bleak, as they sit 18th with only 14 points, trailing safety by 11 points. Conversely, sixth-placed Leverkusen stands at 45 points after their 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich on March 14.

Match overview

Heidenheim recently faced a 1-0 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on March 14, leaving them without a win in 13 matches, with 10 defeats recorded.

Manager Frank Schmidt’s squad is now 10 points adrift from the 16th position that offers a relegation playoff, and with only eight matchdays remaining, their fight for survival appears daunting.

The hosts have lost their last five meetings against Leverkusen, including a 6-0 defeat in the earlier matchup last November.

Heidenheim has struggled to find the net in four of their last six outings, although they rank 10th in the league for big chances created (60).

Schmidt has not overseen a victory in six matches at Voith Arena, and a defeat would mark his fifth loss at home in seven games.

Leverkusen should not be disheartened by their draw with Bayern Munich. However, the league leaders found themselves down to 10 men by the 42nd minute while trailing 1-0 and were reduced to nine men in the 84th minute with the match tied.

Die Werkself are currently five points off fourth-placed Stuttgart, whom they will meet in matchweek 33, so they must close this gap if they wish to return to Champions League football.

The visitors last played on Tuesday against Arsenal at the Emirates, where they fell 2-0, resulting in their elimination from the Champions League.

This marks the fourth consecutive match without a victory for Kasper Hjulmand’s squad, and it was the seventh time in eight fixtures that they’ve managed one or no goals.

Die Schwarzroten also conceded seven goals during this period while achieving only one clean sheet in their 13 Bundesliga away encounters this season.

Leverkusen has struggled when playing away lately, incurring two losses and one draw in their last four away matches after previously winning two of their three prior fixtures.

Team News

The Heidenheim squad has been hit by illness, putting forward Christian Conteh and center-back Tim Siersleben in doubt for participation.

If these two players are unable to play, Patrick Mainka and Benedikt Gimber are expected to fill the central positions in a four-man defense, with Budu Zivzivadze likely to appear in attack.

Leverkusen will have to put together a patchwork defense with Edmond Tapsoba serving a ban, and Loic Bade is still recovering from a thigh injury.

Tim Oermann may join Robert Andrich and Jarell Quansah in defense, while Ezequiel Fernandez and Aleix Garcia are likely to play in midfield.

Given that teenager Christian Kofane faced considerable challenges against Arsenal’s defenders in the Champions League, Patrik Schick is likely to be deployed as the central striker to provide him with a rest.

Heidenheim probable starting XI:

Ramaj; Busch, Mainka, Gimber, Behrens; Kerber, Schoppner, Dorsch; Dinkci, Zivzivadze, Ibrahimovic

Bayer Leverkusen probable starting XI:

Blaswich; Oermann, Andrich, Quansah; Culbreath, Fernandez, Garcia, Grimaldo; Maza, Tillman; Schick

Bayer Leverkusen has shown some defensive frailties, but Heidenheim is unlikely to capitalize on them.

The visiting team may experience some sluggishness following their demanding European endeavors, yet they remain favored to secure a win.