In the final matchday of the 2023-24 Bundesliga season, Heidenheim hosts FC Koln at the Voith-Arena.
This match is crucial for both teams with Heidenheim eyeing European competition and Koln battling to avoid relegation.
Team Form and Standings
Heidenheim
Heidenheim, currently ninth in the Bundesliga, has had an impressive season after being promoted last year.
They have secured 39 points from nine wins, 12 draws, and 12 losses. They trail eighth-placed Freiburg by three points and need a win to keep their slim hopes of European football alive, depending on other results.
Koln
Koln, in stark contrast, is fighting for survival. Sitting 17th with 27 points, they must win to have any chance of finishing in 16th place, which would give them a shot at the relegation playoffs.
Koln's form has improved recently, with a dramatic 3-2 win over Union Berlin in their last outing, but their overall away record this season is poor with just one win on the road.
Team News
Heidenheim will be without Marnon Busch, Thomas Keller, and Elidon Qenaj due to knee injuries.
However, they are boosted by the return of Tim Kleindienst, who has been a standout performer with 12 goals this season. Kleindienst's presence is expected to significantly enhance their attacking options.
Koln faces a more severe selection crisis with Luca Waldschmidt, Leart Paqarada, Dejan Ljubicic, Davie Selke, Luca Kilian, and Florian Dietz sidelined due to injuries.
Additionally, Benno Schmitz, Denis Huseinbasic, and Justin Diehl are suspended. These absences mean Koln will field a reshuffled lineup, with Linton Maina, Steffen Tigges, and Dominque Heintz likely to start.
Prediction
Given Heidenheim's solid home form and Koln's struggles on the road, Heidenheim is favoured to win.
Despite Koln's desperate need for points, Heidenheim's superior form and home advantage should see them through.
A 2-1 victory for Heidenheim seems a likely outcome, potentially confirming Koln's relegation.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Heidenheim vs Koln match? This match is crucial for both teams. Heidenheim is aiming for a potential spot in European competitions, while Koln is fighting to avoid relegation.
When and where will the match be played? The match will be played on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Voith-Arena, Heidenheim.
How has Heidenheim performed this season? Heidenheim has had an impressive debut season in the Bundesliga, currently sitting ninth in the table with 39 points from 33 matches.
What are Heidenheim’s chances of qualifying for European competitions? Heidenheim needs to win this match and rely on other results to go in their favour to potentially qualify for the Conference League playoffs.
How has Koln performed this season? Koln has struggled throughout the season, currently in 17th place with 27 points, and needs a win to have a chance at avoiding automatic relegation.
What is the recent form of both teams? Heidenheim's recent Bundesliga form includes wins, draws, and losses, reflecting a mixed bag of performances. Koln, on the other hand, has shown some fight recently with a notable 3-2 win over Union Berlin.
What are the key team news and injuries for Heidenheim? Heidenheim will be missing Marnon Busch, Thomas Keller, and Elidon Qenaj due to knee injuries. However, Tim Kleindienst returns from suspension, bolstering their attack.
What are the key team news and injuries for Koln? Koln will be without several key players, including Luca Waldschmidt, Leart Paqarada, Dejan Ljubicic, Davie Selke, Luca Kilian, and Florian Dietz due to injuries. Benno Schmitz, Denis Huseinbasic, and Justin Diehl are suspended.
What is the predicted lineup for Heidenheim? Heidenheim's predicted lineup: Muller; Traore, Mainka, Gimber, Fohrenbach; Schoppner, Theuerkauf; Dinkci, Sessa, Beste; Kleindienst.
What is the predicted lineup for Koln? Koln's predicted lineup: Schwabe; Heintz, Hubers, Chabot, Finkgrafe; Maina, Martel; Alidou, Tigges, Kainz; Adamyan.
Heidenheim 
Köln 
