1.FC Nürnberg - FC Heidenheim

Huge three points for Nurnberg against Heidenheim

TEAM NEWS

Nurnberg’s key players Mikael Ishak and Sebastian Kerk will miss out with long-term injuries while Enis Alushi and Dennis Lippert are both unavailable with knee problems. Additional they have to replace sidelined Ewerton with suspension.

Heidenheim have no injury or suspension concerns. Frank Schmidt can count on a fully fit squad for the clash at Max Morlock Stadium.

Nurnberg

Suspended: Ewerton

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Sebastian Kerk (hamstring); Enis Alushi, Dennis Lippert, Mikael Ishak (all knee)

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Nurnberg’s recent slump in form has allowed third-placed Holstein Kiel to gain ground on them. The Bavarian club still sit in second, a direct promotion place, in the 2. Bundesliga table but their lead has been cut drastically over the last month. Last Saturday, Michael Kollner’s troops recorded their second 1-1 draw in a row against Dresden at DDV Arena. They have been waiting for a win for the past five matches and will consider Heidenheim ideal opponents to return to winning ways.

Heidenheim have struggled to cope with the intensity of the 2. Bundesliga this season, but Frank Schmidt’s men will keep fighting until the very end. They have lost all of their last three games, including a 2-1 defeat to Ingolstadt at Voith Arena last Saturday and are now occupying the relegation playoff place. They are in desperate need of points, but this match will no doubt be another tough task for them.

Nurnberg have not set the world alight in recent matches, but they should have too much for their weak opponents to handle on Saturday. My money is going on a Nurnberg win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – NURNBERG

Nurnberg have been leading at half time in their last two encounters with Heidenheim at Max Morlock Stadium. I’ll back them to be winning at the break this weekend again.

HEAD TO HEAD

Nurnberg and Heidenheim have only met on three occasions at Max Morlock Stadium, with the hosts winning one, drawing one and losing one. However, Heidenheim won 1-0 at the Voith Arena back in October.