Heidenheim Backed to Beat Newly Promoted Osnabrück
Promotion favourites Heidenheim host newly promoted Osnabrück in their 2. Bundesliga opener. Despite injuries to Paqarada and Kaufmann, the hosts are expected to begin their push for an immediate top-flight return with a win.
By 7MTHScore StaffTeam news
Heidenheim defender Paqarada is sidelined with a torn cruciate ligament, while striker Kaufmann is recovering from a fractured forearm. The club have lost Dorsch and Thomas Keller but brought in Hennrich and Gorsli.
Osnabrück have a full squad available.
Heidenheim
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/Unavailable: Paqarada (cruciate ligament), Kaufmann (arm)
Osnabrück
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/Unavailable: None
Heidenheim have dropped back into the 2. Bundesliga after three seasons in the top flight. They begin their campaign against Osnabrück, who have been promoted from the 3. Liga, and will be looking for a winning start as they target an immediate return to the Bundesliga. Their squad remains largely unchanged from last season, leaving them among the leading promotion contenders.
Osnabrück won the 3. Liga title after losing only once in their final 19 matches last season. However, they are far less experienced than Heidenheim.
As one of the promotion favourites, Heidenheim are expected to make a comfortable winning start at home to newly promoted Osnabrück.
Head-to-head
Heidenheim spent the past three seasons in the Bundesliga, while Osnabrück had been in the 3. Liga for some time. Their most recent meeting was in February 2021, and both squads have changed significantly since then. Heidenheim are unbeaten in the last four meetings, with three wins and one draw.