Challenging Times for HSV in Bundesliga

Struggles in Front of Goal

Merlin Polzin’s squad has faced a tough start to their Bundesliga campaign, suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of last year’s champions, Bayern Munich. After three matches, they have yet to score any goals.

Creating scoring opportunities has been a significant challenge for HSV. So far, they have managed to create just one clear-cut chance this season, recorded the lowest expected goals in the league (1.3), and average a mere two shots on target per match.

The Importance of Home Advantage

Last season, the Volksparkstadion proved to be a fortress, with only two losses in 17 home league matches. However, this season began on a sour note with a 2-0 defeat to St. Pauli in the local derby, undermining their previously solid home reputation. With a challenging schedule ahead, securing a win against Heidenheim is crucial.

Player Updates

Yussuf Poulsen is currently unavailable due to a thigh injury and is expected to return by mid-October, leaving Robert Glatzel as the main striker. Nicolai Remberg and Nicolas Capaldo are poised to continue their roles in midfield, having been starters in all three Bundesliga fixtures thus far.

Expected Lineup – 3-4-2-1

• Goalkeeper: Fernandes
• Defenders: Omari, Vuskovic, Torunarigha
• Midfielders: Gocholeishvili, Capaldo, Rember, Muheim
• Forwards: Viera, Dompe
• Striker: Glatzel

Heidenheim’s Ongoing Struggles

Frank Schmidt recently celebrated his 18th anniversary as head coach; however, his team is facing a dire situation, sitting at the bottom of the league table after three consecutive losses. Their latest defeat was a 2-0 setback against Borussia Dortmund, where Budu Zivzivadze received an early red card, complicating their efforts.

Historically, Heidenheim has struggled against HSV, remaining winless in their last five encounters and failing to find the back of the net in four of those matches. With only one goal scored and seven yielded in the current campaign, Schmidt has a significant challenge ahead to revitalize his squad.

Zivzivadze will be unavailable due to his red card, leading to Mikkel Kaufmann stepping in up front alongside Adrian Beck. The defensive duo of Patrick Mainka and Benedikt Gimber is likely to remain intact, with Niklas Dorsch and Jan Schöppner expected to anchor the midfield.

Expected Lineup – 3-4-2-1

• Goalkeeper: Ramaj
• Defenders: Mainka, Gimber, Siersleben
• Midfielders: Traore, Kerber, Schöppner, Föhrenbach
• Forwards: Ibrahimovic, Beck
• Striker: Kaufmann

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