Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Europa Conference League match.
On Wednesday at Tynecastle Park, two teams meet with much to be proud of in Europe, yet their domestic league standings leave much to be desired. The revamped Conference League remains a solace for them.
Hearts
Hearts are faring worse than their German opponents for this evening. They sit bottom of the Scottish Premiership in 12th place, despite a managerial change intended to turn things around. Neil Critchley, who spent several years in Liverpool's academy under Jürgen Klopp, is the new coach. Initially, it paid off with clean-sheet victories over St. Mirren in the Premiership (4:0) and Omonia in the Conference League (2:0). However, points were dropped against direct rivals for survival, only managing to win against St. Johnstone away in the latest round. Their main feature is that they always find the net.
Heidenheim
Heidenheim have been even less successful over the past month. In six games, they've secured just one victory in the Conference League against Pafos in Limassol (1:0). They managed nine shots, three on target. Otherwise, it's been draws and four narrow defeats. In the latest round, they lost to Holstein Kiel, who had yet to win (0:1); despite 17 shots, 5 were on target, and an xG of 1.23, it proved fruitless. This poor run has seen them drop from 6th to 12th place, now just two points away from relegation play-offs.
Hearts vs Heidenheim Prediction
While Hearts have not solved all their issues, they have lost only three of their last ten home games, winning four. The poor form of their opponent should allow them at least to avoid defeat.
