Heideinheim will hope for a miracle when they welcome Bavarian juggernauts Bayern Munich to the Voith-Arena. The three points could help FCH end the year out of the drop zone, while Bayern would rather end it on a high after one unlikely draw last week.
Haydenheim's recent string of victories has restored the team's hope that it can avoid relegation, but they are still two points from safety and need more wins. A similar result against Bayern Munich would be something of a Christmas miracle this season, although nothing is impossible in football.
But the fact remains that Heidenheim have the weakest defence in the Bundesliga and have conceded 30 goals in 14 games. This is hardly a positive thought ahead of a clash with a team that has scored 51 in the same number of games.
The Bavarians lost some of their lead after allowing Mainz to take a point in Munich, but they remain the undisputed favourites for the title. It was certainly not a pretty game, and such inexplicable results do happen, but Bayern's form has not declined and they are still just as dominant.
How the bookies view it: A new episode of the Bavarian dominance
Bookmakers are telling us outright that there is no point in looking for a surprise in this match, as they are giving Bayern around 3/20 to win. In other words, on paper, Heidenheim have no chance, but they are available at 12/1.
And you think that FCH have a chance to at least steal a point like Mainz, you can back the draw at 17/2.
Recent head-to-head: One of the more entertaining rivalries
Heidenheim made their Bundesliga debut just two years ago, which means they haven't had many opportunities to play against Bayern in the past. Their only previous match was in the DFB Pokal in 2019.
As you might expect, Bayern dominate the rivalry with four wins in five matches, but more significant are the results in those clashes.
Each of their five meetings has ended with at least four goals, and Heidenheim have scored at least two goals in four of those matches.
Players to watch: Karl is a star in the making
Lennart Karl is already breaking club records at Bayern Munich at just 17. His goal against Mainz was his fifth Bundesliga goal involvement for the club under the age of 18. With back-to-back goals and Heidenheim being a suitable target for more, we plan to back him with one of Betano’s player markets.
Probable line-ups
Heidenheim: Ramaj, Keller, Mainka, Siersleben, Busch, Dorsch, Niehues, Fohrenbach, Honsak, Ibrahimovic, Pieringer
Bayern Munich: Urbig, Stanisic, Upamecano, Tah, Bischof, Kimmich, Pavlovic, Diaz, Karl, Olise, Kane
Anything else catch the eye?
We can't expect anything less than a goal thriller between these two teams. Last year's matches ended with four and six goals. The matches two years ago ended with five and six.
All 14 of Bayern's Bundesliga matches this season have featured at least three goals, and 10/14 have featured at least four. Heidenheim's last five have also covered the three-goal line.
In addition to the standard line, we expect Heidenheim to join in the fun and score at least once, despite their poor form and Bayern's strong defence.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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