Heidenheim vs Darmstadt prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2023-12-08 14:30.
After 20 prior meetings across Germany’s second and third tiers, newly-promoted pair Heidenheim and Darmstadt finally meet for the very first time in the Bundesliga. Only goal difference separated these sides at the top of the 2.Bundesliga last season when Heidenheim claimed the title, but they head into this historic game with a two-point buffer over their visitors, and looking to extend their four-game winning run of home H2Hs.
Heidenheim might sit outside of the drop zone on 11 points, but that still represents the lowest haul by any side making their debut in the top-flight since Greuther Fürth finished rock-bottom in 2012/13. Keen to avoid a similar fate, Heidenheim know that home games could be crucial in terms of their survival bid, and they’ve done well so far in that regard, picking up a staggering 91% of their measly points haul at the Voith-Arena (W3, D1, L2).
Competing in the Bundesliga for just the third season in their history, Darmstadt make the relatively short journey south sitting in the relegation play-off position, but know that a victory will temporarily drag them out of trouble by the end of the round. That will be easier said than done for the Bundesliga strugglers though, as their six game winless run in league action (D2, L4) is the second-longest ongoing run in the league behind only Union Berlin.
Improving on the league’s worst defence will be a priority in order to improve on that form, with their 34 goals conceded both the highest they’ve ever let in at this stage of a top-flight season, and at least six more than any other side heading into this round. A rather unsurprising consequence of that leaky defence is a return of just one clean sheet from 13 rounds and none across their six away league games.
Key battle: Contributing to half of his side’s league goals this season (G5, A4), Jan-Niklas Beste is likely to be Heidenheim’s main focal point. Trying to stop him will be Darmstadt defender and captain Fabian Holland, who has picked up cards in four of his last seven appearances (3Y, 1R).
Hot stat: Heidenheim have conceded a league-high 12 goals from set pieces, that’s 43% of their total conceded goals!