Can Heidenheim secure their Bundesliga status for a third consecutive season, or will the sensational Elversberg spring yet another surprise? Let's dive into the latest updates and assess whether the third-placed team from the 2. Bundesliga has a shot at making history. Or will the hosts—at least in the first leg at their home Voith-Arena—send a clear message to the visitors that there's no room for them in the Bundesliga? We'll try to uncover this and provide well-founded predictions based on the current form and condition of both teams.

Head-to-Head

Over the past decade, Heidenheim and Elversberg have not faced each other in any head-to-head matches.

Heidenheim Team Overview

After the 33rd round, Heidenheim already knew they would remain in 16th place, regardless of the outcome of their final home match against Werder in the 34th round. Ultimately, Frank Schmidt's squad suffered a heavy defeat (1-4). The lone goal for the hosts was scored by midfielder Luca Kerber, assisted by Leo Scienza.

🔗 In their debut Bundesliga season of 2023/24, the team surprised everyone by finishing 8th and securing a spot in the Conference League. However, they couldn't replicate that success this time around, and now Heidenheim face Elversberg in a battle to retain their place in Germany's top flight. They haven't won at home in four consecutive matches (one draw and three losses). In 17 home fixtures this season, they have managed just three wins, with two draws and 12 losses. This is the worst home record among all Bundesliga teams this season.

07 Elversberg Team Overview

Horst Steffen's team is on the brink of making history. Elversberg are set to face Heidenheim for a spot in next season's Bundesliga. This is a remarkable squad: just in the 2021/2022 season, they were competing in the Regional League, then became champions of the Third League in 2022/2023, earning promotion to the Second Bundesliga. Last season, they solidified their position by finishing 11th, and this season they clinched third place, now standing on the verge of entering Germany's top football division for the first time in their history.

To secure third place, Elversberg needed to defeat Schalke in the final round. The team rose to the occasion, winning thanks to goals from Lukas Petkov and Maurice Neubauer, although the match ended on a tense note after conceding a goal (2-1). Ultimately, the club wrapped up the season with 16 wins, 10 draws, and 8 losses.

Latest news

Heidenheim

Head coach Frank Schmidt spoke at the press conference following the match against Werder: "The key now is to focus on what's ahead. We have a chance to secure our league spot in two additional matches, and we're approaching this with determination and a positive mindset. We have enough time until Thursday to prepare and then win these two games."

Due to illness, defender Franz Kretsig was not included in the squad for the match against Werder. The young player might be ready to take the field in the upcoming game.

07 Elversberg

At the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Schalke, head coach Horst Steffen refrained from looking too far ahead: "Let's play the match first, and then we'll see what happens in the rest of the games after the matchday concludes. Honestly, I haven't thought about next week. Perhaps the coaching staff has some plans, but not for me – because I don't want to know about them."

In the upcoming playoff match, center-back Frederik Jäkel and midfielder Patrick Dragon will be unavailable due to knee injuries.

Goal Prediction

Goal Prediction

In 17 home games, Heidenheim have found the net just 13 times (an average of 0.8 per game) while conceding 33 goals (an average of 2.5). On the other hand, Elversberg, in their 17 away matches in the 2. Bundesliga, have secured 7 wins, 7 draws, and only suffered 3 losses, scoring 25 goals (an average of 1.8 per game) and conceding just 12 (0.7 on average).

Considering these numbers and Heidenheim's weak home form, it's important to remember the difference in level between the Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga. Therefore, we can't confidently say that Elversberg will handle the pressure in their first playoff match.

The visitors are likely to play it safe, keeping in mind the upcoming home leg. Hence, we suggest a bet on total goals under 3 for this match—it's likely to be a cautious affair with few scoring opportunities.

Corner Prediction

In their last 10 matches, Heidenheim have earned 42 corners (an average of 4.2 per game), while Elversberg have tallied 43 (an average of 4.3 per match). Based on these figures and combining the averages of both teams, we get an average of 8.5 corners per match. Therefore, it's reasonable to consider a bet on total corners under 10.5.

Despite Heidenheim's struggles at the Voith-Arena this season (they have secured more wins on the road than at home), the hosts remain the favorites for the upcoming match. Considering their Bundesliga experience and Elversberg facing their first major challenge, we anticipate the home side to come out on top. Our betting suggestion is a Heidenheim win with a (0) handicap.