Bayern Munich could close the gap to just four points from securing the Bundesliga crown if they triumph over Heidenheim at Voith-Arena this Saturday.
Currently, Heidenheim languish in 16th place, the relegation playoff position, with only 22 points. Bayern, despite being held to a 2-2 draw by rivals Borussia Dortmund last weekend, lead the table with 69 points, six ahead of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
Heidenheim suffered a 3-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on April 13, conceding nearly four expected goals (xG) and seven clear-cut chances, while also being saved by the post once.
On a positive note for the hosts, that loss marked the first time in five games they’d allowed more than one goal, though their attack has been quiet, managing just one goal in their last three outings.
Under manager Frank Schmidt, Heidenheim sit two points above 17th-placed VfL Bochum, who occupy the second automatic relegation spot. A defeat on Saturday could see them slip into the bottom three by season’s end, especially if 15th-placed St Pauli defeat Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.
Despite recent back-to-back losses, Heidenheim had shown some resilience earlier, picking up two wins and two draws in their five matches prior.
At home, however, Schmidt’s side have struggled, losing six of their last seven games at Voith-Arena and securing just one victory.
Bayern supporters may have hoped for more against eighth-placed Dortmund, but despite creating plenty of scoring chances, the team squandered six of their eight big opportunities.
Adding to Bayern’s frustrations, their 2-2 draw in the second leg against Inter Milan on Wednesday resulted in a 4-3 aggregate loss, marking their fourth Champions League quarter-final exit in five years.
Given that his squad has had to pull the ball out of the net nine times in their past five games—more than they did in their previous ten—manager Vincent Kompany will be concerned about the pace at which his team is giving up goals.
The teams have scored 26 goals in their last four encounters, with the Bavarians defeating Heidenheim 4-2 in the rematch on December 7.
Bayern has won six of their previous eight games, but they have lost one and drawn two of their past three in all competitions.
Kompany's team has performed admirably away from home, going undefeated in eight games and winning five of them.
