FC Heidenheim - Fortuna Düsseldorf

Leaders to bounce back

TEAM NEWS

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

Injured Gokhan Gul, Lukas Schmitz and Andre Hofmann will be missing the game for Dusseldorf once again while Kaan Ayhan is sidelined with a suspension.

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Dusseldorf

Suspended: Kaan Ayhan

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Gokhan Gul (head), Andre Hoffmann (unspecified), Lukas Schmitz (toe)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: AWAY WIN

Despite a valiant effort at the Max Morlock Stadium last weekend, Heidenheim fell to their fourth straight defeat last time out as they were beatenh 3-2 by Nurnberg on away turf. Heidenheim have had a poor season to say the least, winning nine, drawing seven and losing 13 of their 29 games to sit in 16^thplace. Frank Schmidt’s men have won only two of their previous ten in the league. 

Dusseldorf’s lead at the top of the standings was cut to three points after their second defeat in a row last Friday as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Bochum at the Esprit Arena. Fortuna are still in an outstanding position though as they have a whopping 12-point lead over fourth-placed Ingolstadt. Friedhelm Funkel’s side have lost four of their last eight fixtures in the 2. Bundesliga and they will need to return to winning ways in the upcoming weeks.

Despite their alarming dip in form, Dusseldorf should have enough quality and resolve to see off lowly Heidenheim on Monday. I’m predicting a Fortuna win.

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD 

Both teams are in need of points and this could therefore be a close encounter at the Voith Arena, with one goal likely to be enough to win it. In fact, six of Dusseldorf’s last eight wins have come by one goal, so back odd goals to be scored in Heidenheim on Monday.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams have only met three times in Heidenheim in the 2. Bundesliga. Two of those encounters were won by the hosts via 1-0 and 2-0 scorelines, while the other one finished in a 2-1 win for Dusseldorf. Back in November, the reverse fixture ended in a 2-2 draw.