Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On Saturday, May 16, we’re set for the final matchday of the Bundesliga as Heidenheim hosts Werder Bremen on their home turf. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:30 Central European Time. Here’s my take on the best bet for this clash.
Heidenheim vs Werder Bremen: match facts and head-to-head
- Heidenheim are unbeaten in their last three matches: one draw and two wins.
- Werder Bremen are on a seven-game unbeaten streak.
- Heidenheim have failed to win their last three home games and have just one victory in their last nine at home.
- Werder are unbeaten in their last four away fixtures, with three wins and a draw.
- Heidenheim have failed to score in four of their last five home matches.
- Heidenheim have conceded 60 goals – the fourth-worst defensive record in the Bundesliga.
- The reverse fixture produced a spectacular 3-3 draw.
- Heidenheim have beaten Werder three times in their last five meetings. Bremen have won just once in that span.
Heidenheim vs Werder Bremen: match preview
Heidenheim find themselves in a clear situation. They sit 16th in the table and are guaranteed not to drop lower, as they hold a four-point cushion over 17th place. As a result, direct relegation is off the table. However, climbing higher is also a tall order – they trail Hoffenheim by three points. This means Heidenheim are headed for the relegation playoff against the third-placed team from Bundesliga 2. Despite the odds, Heidenheim’s recent form is encouraging: unbeaten in three, with two wins and a draw.
Werder Bremen have been playing impressive football in the second half of the season and still have a shot at European qualification. Bremen are just three points off sixth place, so they must win here and hope their rivals slip up – then a spot in the Conference League could become a reality. They could have avoided this nail-biting finish if not for three consecutive draws, which allowed their competitors to pull three points clear. Still, Werder’s unbeaten run now stands at seven matches. It’s a strong finish to the Bundesliga campaign, though it may not be enough for a European berth.
Probable line-ups
- Heidenheim: Müller; Mainka, Gimber, Siersleben; Traoré, Schöppner, Dorsch, Krätzig; Wanner, Beck; Pieringer
- Werder Bremen: Zetterer; Stark, Friedl, Pieper; Weiser, Lynen, Stage, Schmidt, Agu; Njinmah, Ducksch
Prediction
Werder still have a theoretical chance of reaching Europe, so I expect Bremen to go all out for three points and then monitor their rivals’ results. Heidenheim are in good form and will want to end the season on a high note in front of their fans. I anticipate a few goals in this one and my bet is on over 3 goals at odds of 1.7.
