Heidenheim is hosting Dortmund for their 3rd round match of the Bundesliga at the Voith Arena, home of Heidenheim.
Facts
- Heidenheim have a 0-1-1 record at home against Dortmund, failing to score in the first half of either game.
- Julian Brandt has three goals and four assists in his last six Bundesliga appearances.
Betting Tip: Heidenheim - Dortmund
So far, the performances justify Dortmund’s short odds. Heidenheim haven’t shown the traits that previously kept them safe in the league, while Dortmund, even without dazzling, have been convincing at full strength. Odds are understandably short, leaving little value.
- Recommendation: Dortmund to win
- Odds: 1.55 (at the time of writing)
Heidenheim
It looks like a long season ahead for Frank Schmidt’s side. The qualities that had kept them in the Bundesliga for the past two years, intensity, work rate and resilience, have been missing in the opening games.
Against Wolfsburg (1-3), they lacked energy in both defence and attack, while away at Leipzig (0-2), they squandered several first-half counterattacks and once again looked soft at the back.
To make matters worse, they sold key attacking midfielder Scienza to Southampton at the transfer deadline for €8m. Decent money, but a big loss in the team’s quality. Striker Breunig went on loan to Magdeburg and defender Janes to Großaspach.
That leaves Beck as their only real spark in the attacking line. Creating and scoring goals will come more through effort, pressing, and scraps than through creativity or combinations. Against compact defences, especially, we think that they are likely to struggle.
The concern remains the same: if Heidenheim don’t play at 100% intensity, concentration, and cohesion, they will pay the price. Another question hangs over the squad: Can players who pushed themselves to the limit for two seasons find the motivation to fight through another survival campaign?
Borussia Dortmund
A routine 3-0 win over Union Berlin before the break allowed Nico Kovac’s side to reset after the opening 3-3 draw at St Pauli, a game that should serve as a lesson. Dortmund have the squad to finish second, but if they want to challenge Bayern seriously, they need more leadership and composure in difficult moments.
Defensive absences are a valid excuse for their early-season wobbles, but the bigger issue we think is the lack of personality. This is a team that generally handles games well when nothing unexpected happens, but in the face of adversity, they don’t always have the commanding figure to steady them and take control.
In short, Dortmund are strong enough to win most matches on quality alone, but questions remain about their mentality in tougher, chaotic situations.
