Manuel Chávez
Dailysports's expert
On May 22, Heidenheim and Elversberg will play their first leg for the right to compete in the Bundesliga. Here’s my suggested bet for this highly anticipated clash.
- See also: Defensa y Justicia vs Newell’s Old Boys prediction, H2H and probable lineups - May 23, 2025
Heidenheim
This season has been a tough one for Heidenheim, as the team finished 16th in the Bundesliga, earning a shot to remain in the top flight. Heading into the final matchday, there was still a theoretical chance to survive: they needed Hoffenheim to suffer a heavy defeat against Bayern and to deliver a resounding home win over Werder. Their rival lost 0-4, but Hoffenheim also faltered, falling to Bremen 1-4.
This disappointing season can be partly attributed to the team's attempt in the Conference League, where they were knocked out in the round of 32 by Copenhagen. Now, their main goal is to stay in the Bundesliga.
Elversberg
Elversberg, on the other hand, had a strong campaign in the second Bundesliga, finishing just one point shy of automatic promotion. Although they missed out on a direct ticket to the top tier, they still have a chance—if they can overcome a formidable opponent.
The team ended the league on an eight-game unbeaten streak (five wins and three draws). Their form looks impressive, but their recent opposition has all been from the second division, and now they face a team with European experience. It's often said that hosting the second leg is an advantage, but first, they’ll need to withstand the pressure of this away fixture.
Probable line-ups
Heidenheim: Zetterer, Stark, Friedl, Pieper, Weiser, Lynen, Agu, Schmidt, Stage, Ducksch, Gruev.
Elversberg: Kristof, Baum, Pinkert, Le Joncour, Neubauer, Felgauer, Sahin, Zimmerschied, Damar, Petkov, Asllani.
H2H
The last time these sides met was back in the 2013/14 season, when they played in Germany’s third division. Given how much time has passed, those results carry little weight: Heidenheim won 1-0 at home and drew 1-1 away.
Prediction
The home side is seen as a slight favorite in this tie, with home advantage expected to play a key role for Heidenheim. I anticipate an exciting and tense match, where the Bundesliga representative should take the initiative. Backing the hosts with a draw no bet looks like a promising option here.
