The Matchday 1 Bundesliga clash between Heidenheim and Wolfsburg will take place on August 23 at Voith-Arena. Heidenheim vs. Wolfsburg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Heidenheim
The team is entering its third consecutive season in the Bundesliga. Last season, Heidenheim finished in 16th place, but managed to retain their spot in Germany's top division after playoff matches against Elversberg (2-2, 1-2). Notably, in the previous Bundesliga campaign, the club collected the fewest home points (11) and only outscored St. Pauli (10) in terms of home goals (13). Over the summer, Heidenheim played only two friendly matches, winning both.
In the off-season, the club added goalkeeper Diant Ramaj and midfielder Arijon Ibrahimovic to their squad.
- The team has not won in 8 of their last 9 home matches in the Bundesliga (1 draw, 7 losses).
- The players have failed to score in 5 of their last 7 home league fixtures.
- Heidenheim has conceded at least two goals in 6 of their last 9 home Bundesliga games.
Predicted lineup for Heidenheim (3-4-3)
Diant Ramaj – Patrick Mainka, Benedikt Gimber, Tim Siersleben – Omar Traore, Niklas Dorsch, Jan Schöppner, Arijon Ibrahimovic – Leo Sienda, Budu Zivzivadze, Mathias Honzak.
Forward Marvin Pieringer will miss the match due to injury.
Wolfsburg
Last season, the team finished in 11th place with 43 points. As a result, Wolfsburg failed to reach the Bundesliga top 10 for the third time in four previous seasons. The club had a poor end to last season, securing just one win in their last ten rounds (3 draws, 6 losses). However, they ranked fourth in points collected on the road (27). During the off-season, Wolfsburg played five friendly matches, losing four times and winning once.
During the summer transfer window, the club signed midfielder Vinicius and loaned forward Jesper Lindstrom. Meanwhile, defender Sebastiaan Bornauw and forward Tiago Tomás left the team. Additionally, Wolfsburg will be led by new head coach Paul Simons.
- The club has not won in 4 of their last 5 away matches in the Bundesliga (1 draw, 3 losses).
- The team scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 8 of their last 11 away league matches.
- Wolfsburg has not conceded more than one goal in 6 of their last 8 away Bundesliga games.
Predicted lineup for Wolfsburg (4-5-1)
Kamil Grabara – Kilian Fischer, Moritz Jenz, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Joakim Mæhle – Patrick Wimmer, Vinicius, Lovro Majer, Maximilian Arnold, Andreas Olsen – Dženan Pejčinović.
Defender Denis Vavro and midfielder Kevin Paredes will miss the match due to injuries.
Referee
Benjamin Brand (Germany)
Matches – 16 (Bundesliga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 64;
Average yellow cards per match – 4;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 19%.
Heidenheim vs. Wolfsburg: Match Prediction
The previous Bundesliga season almost ended in relegation for Heidenheim, largely due to their weak home performances. In 17 home matches last season, the club only managed to score more than once on three occasions. Additionally, in two home encounters with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, Heidenheim was limited to just one goal.
Wolfsburg was not convincing in away matches at the end of last season, but they avoided major setbacks. In their last eight away Bundesliga games, the team only allowed opponents to score more than once on two occasions. Furthermore, Wolfsburg conceded fewer away goals (24) than all but three clubs last season.
I don't think the hosts will break through the opponent's defense more than once, so my prediction: Heidenheim Individual Total Under 1.5
