Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The final showdown for a coveted Bundesliga place will see Elversberg take on Heidenheim. The decisive clash is set for Monday, May 26, with kick-off scheduled for 20:30 Central European Time. I’m backing a bet on goals in this high-stakes encounter.
Match preview
In 2023, Elversberg clinched the Third Division title and earned a shot in the 2. Bundesliga. They didn’t need much time to settle, finishing mid-table last season, and now they’re on the brink of making club history.
For Elversberg, this match against Heidenheim is a chance to turn dreams into reality. Having reached the playoffs more in spite of the odds than because of them, the club has already exceeded all expectations.
But the road to the Bundesliga is never easy: Elversberg’s results were inconsistent throughout the 2. Bundesliga campaign, and they finished outside the automatic promotion spots. Their surprise playoff run has shown they can fight and impose their game even against stronger opponents.
At home, the crowd’s support could be a game-changer, especially if the match opens up. The team brings attacking flair, but their defense can be shaky, particularly when facing positional attacks.
Heidenheim, unlike their opponents, already have top-flight experience—an undeniable advantage. They wrapped up the Bundesliga season near the foot of the table and are now fighting to retain their elite status.
In the first leg, Heidenheim looked more assured, controlled the midfield, and held the advantage for large spells. Despite trailing 0-2 during the match, Heidenheim managed to avoid defeat, and now everything will be decided on enemy turf.
After last season’s sensational debut—where they qualified for European competition—things have inevitably become tougher. Heidenheim avoided direct relegation thanks to crucial wins over Stuttgart and Union Berlin in the season’s final stretch.
Their European adventure in the Conference League, where they were halted by Copenhagen in the round of 16, took a toll. Balancing two fronts proved too much, but there’s still a chance to salvage their campaign.
Match facts
- Elversberg are unbeaten in their last nine matches.
- Elversberg have netted 10 goals at home in their previous three games.
- Heidenheim have won just one of their last four matches.
- Heidenheim have lost only once in their last seven away fixtures.
- Elversberg average 2.25 goals per home game, while Heidenheim average 1.5 goals per away outing.
Probable lineups
- Elversberg: Kristof, Baum, Rohr, Le Joncour, Neubauer, Felgauer, Sahin, Damar, Petkov, Zimmerschied, Asllani.
- Heidenheim: Müller, Siersleben, Mainka, Busch, Kratzig, Scepper, Traoré, Beck, Dorsch, Sivzivadze, Gonzak.
H2H
- The sides have met just three times: one win for Heidenheim and two draws.
- The first encounter ended in a 2-2 draw.
Prediction
This match promises to deliver a dynamic and high-scoring spectacle. With so much at stake, both teams’ attacking intent and hunger for victory should create plenty of chances and an open game. The very nature of playoff football breeds tension, fierce battles, and raw emotion. Given that both teams are prolific going forward but vulnerable at the back, backing both sides to score looks like a solid bet.
