FC Heidenheim - 1.FC Kaiserslautern

Heidenheim to continue their unbeaten run

TEAM NEWS

Heidenheim will be without the injured Marnon Busch but have a full squad available.

Kaiserslautern have three players on their injury list as Kacper Przybylko, Osayamen Osawe and Mads Albaek are all absent. In addition, Patrick Salata will be suspended.

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Marnon Busch (unspecified)

Kaiserslautern

Suspended: Patrick Salata

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kacper Przybylko (foot), Mads Albaek (pubis), Osayamen Osawe (toe)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Heidenheim managed to register their second win in a row when beating Sandhausen 2-1 away from home. Robert Glatzel and John Verhoek both scored as the team came from behind after conceding the opening goal in the first half. With three wins and one draw in their last four games, they have strengthened their position and have found a way out of relegation zone of the 2. Bundesliga. Heidenheim are on a good way and are close to finding back to their form from last season.

After winning their last game on the road with a bit of luck, bottom team Kaiserslautern were dealt another setback when suffering a 2-0 defeat at home against Bielefeld last Sunday. They didn’t threaten at all in that game and only had 47% ball possession, with one shot on target. Jeff Strasser’s men have now lost three of their last five league games in the 2. Bundesliga and this may be another tricky game for them, given Heidenheim’s improving form. Kaiserslautern, meanwhile, seem doomed for relegation this season.

I can see no end to Kaiserslautern’s current bad run and even a visit to 14^th placed Heidenheim looks beyond them while the best they can hope for is to escape with a draw. I think the hosts will grab the three points though.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – HEIDENHEIM

Kaiserslautern have been the first team to concede in all their last eight road games while Heidenheim have scored first in their last three home games. They should be the first to find the net here again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Heidenheim have played only three times at home against Kaiserslautern in the 2. Bundesliga and remain unbeaten with two wins and one draw.