Karlsruher SC - FC Heidenheim

This is an "Baden-Württemberg" Derby where both teams are not far from each other. This derby is not a traditional one as it is not such old with only 5 matches played between these two clubs according to their different club history. KSC could win 2 of these matches while Heidenheim is winless but was able to draw 3 times. Both teams are neighbors in table and both are almost safe. The team from KSC was expecting much more after the winter break but it was not able to close the gap to the top, no they lost more. On the other side Heidenheim is very proud that they play such a good Season and can come to Karlsruhe very relaxed after successful weeks lately.

KSC won 1-0 last weekend but this was not enough to close the gap to the top teams according to their weak outcome with only 9 Points from 6 matches. The main fact that they can not climb up in table was the weak home outcome with only 3 draws against FSV Frankfurt, Braunschweig and Paderborn. They are winless since Round 18 at home but the motivation is not the same as they play for nothing at the moment and stand only in the midfield of the table. It is sure that Kauczinski leaves the club at the end of the Season and his replacement signed a contract this week. They are counting on Thomas Oral who is head coach at FSV Frankfurt at the moment but comes to the next Season.
Before the game against Düsseldorf Kauczinski changed his team 3 times but this time he may count on the same lineup as in last game where they could convince and win anyway. The only problem for them is Sallihi who is doubtful for the game and if he can not start the replacements are Nazarov or Gouaida while quick midfield player Torres miss again. Torres is with 4 goals and 6 assist on of the best offensive player in team from KSC. No one of the team mates has more assists and only Diamantakos scored more with 5.

After winning two times at home in a row after having a very long run without a win they are back on track there. On the road they were unbeaten in 7 of their last 8 games. Only the last game in Leipzig they lost with 1-3 because of only of the huge offensive power form RBL. They are aiming to start a new streak on the road now. According to lastest news and also to the last game there are no changes expected because of the good game and win against St. Pauli 2-0. They have only one guy out injured anyway therefore Coach Schmidt can choose from a lot but he count on a good balanced eleven again. Some options are there with Theuerkauf instead of Titsch-Rivero in midfield or in attack where Morabit and Thomalla harmonized very well against St. Pauli. But also Finne made some self advertising with his goal after he came in. In attack is also Leipertz an option but he can play also on the wing as well. Leipertz (8 goals / 7 assists) and Schnatterer (5 goals / 6 assists) are the most dangerous players from Heidenheim. Both are able to decide a match for them but also Morabit is with his 4 goals an important factor in offensive.

This match can be a very close one but according to the big problems form KSC if they play at home and they do not like to control the game or make the game. They prefer the same style as Heidenheim and this is playing from a compact defense and go for fast counter attacks. This can be key for Heidenheim if KSC opens more and more. Also the motivation should be on Heidenheim's side, they are doing well have a good run and are aiming for more. They know that they play to avoid relegation but his is done already and they can look forward to have one of the best Seasons ever in their 2.BL history. KSC suffers more and more from the lost relegation battle to Hamburg last Season and they are not able to come out from their bad mood.

PICK: FC Heidenheim AHC +0,25 @ 2,01 (3 Units / Flat Stake)