Heidenheim and Hamburger SV Aim for Survival in Bundesliga, but One Will Advance in DFB-Pokal

Survival is the primary objective for both Heidenheim and Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga. However, one of these teams will secure a place in the Third Round of the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday.

Heidenheim’s Struggles

Frank Schmidt’s team has only achieved one win in their initial eight matches of the Bundesliga season. Their away performances have been particularly disappointing, with losses in all outings except for their first-round cup match against fourth-tier Bahlinger SC.

Their league campaign has seen just two positive results—a victory over Augsburg and a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen. Despite earning a spot in the European Conference League during their first Bundesliga season, they barely managed to avoid relegation in the previous year.

DFB-Pokal History

Unfortunately for Heidenheim, they have been eliminated in the second round of the cup each of the last three years. Their last progression beyond this round was in the 2018/19 season when they defeated SV Sandhausen.

Team News and Injuries

Mikkel Kaufmann and Sirlord Conteh were key figures in the victory against Augsburg; however, both players are currently sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, summer acquisition Leart Paçarada is out with a cruciate ligament injury.

Hamburger SV’s Cup Aspirations

Hamburger SV, who have lifted the DFB-Pokal trophy three times, advanced to the semi-finals after Heidenheim’s previous round appearance. The team reached the last four in the 2021/22 season but fell short of reaching the final for the first time since 1986/87, bowing out to SC Freiburg.

Freiburg also eliminated HSV at this same stage last season. Although they have recently returned to the Bundesliga, their campaign has been rocky, with a string of losses culminating in a disappointing home defeat against struggling Wolfsburg.

Past Performance Against Heidenheim

Interestingly, Heidenheim was the opponent against whom HSV secured their first Bundesliga victory upon returning to the league. Key new signings Luka Vuskovic, Rayan Philippe, and Fábio Vieira were instrumental in a 2-1 win, with Philippe also netting two goals in HSV’s 4-0 triumph over Mainz earlier this month.

Goalkeeper Changes

Daniel Peretz is anticipated to make his debut for Hamburger SV on Tuesday. The goalkeeper, who stepped in during Bayern’s knockout match against Bayer Leverkusen last season after Manuel Neuer’s red card, could have a crucial role in this upcoming game.

Predicted Lineups

Heidenheim:

• Ramaj; Traoré, Mainka ©, Siersleben, Föhrenbach; Niehues; Ibrahimovic, Schöppner, Beck; Honsak; Schimmer

Hamburger SV:

• Peretz; Capaldo ©, Vuskovic, Elfadli; Mikelbrencis, Fabio Vieira, Remberg, Muheim; Philippe, Königsdörffer, Rössing-Lelesiit