Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 10, 2024 10:09 pm GMT
Borussia Dortmund is looking to secure its second victory in the Bundesliga this season as they prepare to face FC Heidenheim on Friday at Signal Iduna Park. This matchup marks the third league game of the 2024-25 season for both clubs, with Heidenheim currently leading the table after an impressive performance against Augsburg.
Current Standings and Recent Performances
Dortmund enters the match in fourth place, having accumulated four points after two matchweeks. Their previous fixture ended in a goalless draw against Werder Bremen, which saw them generate minimal goal-scoring opportunities, as indicated by their combined expected goals (xG) of just 0.98 in the match. The Black and Yellows faced a setback in the 73rd minute when defender Nico Schlotterbeck was sent off; however, they managed to hold their opponents to only one shot on goal after being reduced to ten players.
Under the guidance of new coach Nuri Sahin, Dortmund appears to be transitioning to a more aggressive style of play compared to last season, when they had the deepest defensive line in the league. Early indicators show that Sahin’s strategies are effective, as his team has conceded the fewest xG among all Bundesliga teams, contrasting sharply with their previous season’s performance.
Dortmund’s recent home games have been promising, winning their last three encounters at Signal Iduna Park with a combined score of 11-1. Their previous home match did see Eintracht Frankfurt’s Fares Chaibi waste a clear chance to score, highlighting a potential area for improvement regarding defensive organization.
Heidenheim’s Remarkable Season Start
On the other side of the pitch, FC Heidenheim has made an impressive start to the season, winning all five of their competitive matches thus far, including a decisive 4-0 victory over Augsburg. In that match, despite holding just 36% possession, Heidenheim managed to create four significant scoring opportunities without conceding any.
Notably, the club has also qualified for the first phase of a European competition, achieving this milestone by overcoming Hacken with a 5-3 aggregate score in the Europa Conference League qualifying round. Under manager Frank Schmidt, Heidenheim’s formation has consistently yielded results, placing them first in the Bundesliga despite their low possession and fewer touches in the opponent’s box compared to other teams.
Heidenheim’s recent form is equally commendable, as they remain unbeaten in their last six Bundesliga matches, winning four and drawing two. Their away performance has also been solid, with five matches without a loss on the road, showcasing their resilience as they adapt to top-flight football.
Injury News and Expected Lineups
As the teams prepare for this important clash, both sides are grappling with injury challenges. Borussia Dortmund will be without key players Giovanni Reyna and Kjell Watjen. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the fitness of Serhou Guirassy and Yan Couto, which may impact their lineup decisions. Manager Nuri Sahin might consider starting Filippo Mane in central defense and utilizing Donyell Malen as a wing-back.
FC Heidenheim also faces injury concerns, specifically Julian Niehues, Lennard Maloney, and Thomas Leon Keller, who will not participate in the game. Luca Kerber is expected to step in for Maloney, potentially partnering with Jan Schoppner in midfield.
Potential Starting Lineups
Borussia Dortmund
- Kobel
- Anton
- Sule
- Mane
- Ryerson
- Can
- Gross
- Malen
- Sabitzer
- Brandt
- Bynoe-Gittens
FC Heidenheim
- Muller
- Traore
- Manika
- Gimber
- Fohrenbach
- Kerber
- Schoppner
- Beck
- Wanner
- Scienza
- Pieringer
Match Outlook
As Heidenheim arrives with a perfect record, Friday’s match promises to be challenging for both teams. While Heidenheim may seem fatigued due to their recent European commitments, Dortmund could capitalize on this potential lack of energy to claim all three points. The contrasting styles of play and team dynamics make this encounter particularly intriguing as Borussia Dortmund aims to bounce back and secure vital points at home against a side reveling in its early success.
Fans and experts are really excited to see what happens in this game because it will be important for both teams as the season goes on.
