1.FC Nürnberg - FC Heidenheim

It was a very disappointed first game for Nürnberg against Freiburg where they were not able to get more stability in their defensive row and lost deserved 3-6. To their first home game comes Heidenheim which they have not in their best mind after losing both games last Season to the newcomer. In Heidenheim 0-3 and at home 0-1, this means that they have to improve a lot to the last game and to the games last Season against the opponent today. They were not able to score a single goal in two games against this team, what is a big disaster for a club with such high ambitions. After the first game it is a lot of trouble in Nürnberg already and they should look forward to get all their power on the pitch today otherwise it can be a hard season again. On the other side Heidenheim comes to Nürnberg very relaxed, they have won the first game 1-0 to 1860 Munich and can go into this game without any pressure.

The start was a disaster and the team has a lot to improve, it can not be that they play two seasons in a row such a disappointed football without any mood and self confidence. They were 0-3 down after 13 Minutes and to half time 0-3. Ok, they showed a different face in second half where they come close with 3-4 but after a few minutes it was all gone because they conceded the knock out with 3-5. Coach Weiler is looking forward and he has put out the positive things what they have played in second half but if this help the team right now is not sure. He has made some changes to the break there and maybe he starts again with this lineup. He put in captain Polak beside Behrens in central midfield for more stability. In this case Polak can play the defensive part while Behrens can more a bit forward and assist Schöpf for more power in offense. Therefore the place from Stark is doubtful and he must on bench then. In attack it is possible that all three Gislason, Burgstaller and Blum can be out of the starting lineup but it more impossible that he gives them not his trust again. It was only 1 game and they should get the chance to recover.
The biggest change should be happen in defense. This was almost a disaster what happened there. They are not close to normal level there all. With Möhwald and Bulthuis played two guys there who normally do not play this position what was seen against Freiburg very well. Almost all goals comes over the side from Möhwald and he has had a very awful day. The other one Bulthuis has also a lot of problems and conceded a red card in the end of the game what put him out already. The first time Sepsi is in squad after his injury and he can be one of the starter on the wing. A big risky after an injury but what should they do with less alternatives on this position. The second man on the left wing is Leibhold but he should get some match praxis with the second team after his muscle injury and is not in the squad today. On the right back wing Möhwald has an awful day as already mentioned he can be replaced by the new signing Miso Brecko who came form Cologne yesterday. Of course he does not know the team but this is a better option as Möhwald as he plays this position for long time in his career.

One of the big surprise teams from last Season Heidenheim started well and Coach Schmidt was very pleased about the first game against 1860. Of course it was not all well but they got the calculated 3 Points and this let them work without any pressure this week. The only big thing they should solve for the upcoming games is in front of the goal where they need to many chances to score. They wasted with all their opportunities what makes Coach Schmidt not very happy. But the good thing was that they were able to create a lot and this is also one of the key facts for a small team that they know they are able to hurt their opponents and the power for such actions are there.
The fact that only 2 new signings are in the starting lineup with Feick and Frahn said all. The team is balanced very well and all know each other what is a big advantage to begin of the season when you can count on guys who played already last season there. The task in Nürnberg is a very hard one and Coach Schmidt expect a close game where they have to invest all what they are able to give. But nevertheless they want to be as brave as they can and hurt Nürnberg in their actual difficult situation. The starting lineup should be the same from last match day, all players are ready again, only long term injured midfield player Kitsch-Rivero is working on his comeback.