Cologne vs Heidenheim
German Bundesliga
Saturday
13th January 2024
RheinEnergieStadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the German Bundesliga fixture between Cologne and Heidenheim.
Cologne vs Heidenheim: Preview
Cologne form analysis
FC Cologne had shown promising early season form, but results have dipped dramatically over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 25th November, they suffered a narrow 0-1 home loss to Bayern Munich after conceding to Kane. Things worsened on 2nd December with a disappointing 0-1 away defeat at Darmstadt, undone by Selke’s second half winner. FC Cologne stopped the rot on 10th December by grinding out a goalless away draw with Mainz.
However, they struggled to build momentum as on 17th December defensive issues cost them in a chastening 0-2 home loss to Freiburg, conceding to Gregoritsch and a late Sallai goal. Most recently on 20th December, their winless run stretched to five games after a 0-2 home defeat to Union Berlin, undone by second half goals from Hollerbach and Fofana. Overall, FC Cologne have lacked attacking spark and defensive stability over this period, failing to score while conceding six times. Addressing these problems is essential during the winter break to spark an upturn in results.
Heidenheim form analysis
Heidenheim had shown promising early season form but have been up and down over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 26th November they were held at home by Bochum in a goalless draw. Things got worse on 2nd December with a 1-2 home loss to RB Leipzig, briefly leveling through Gimber early in the second period before Leipzig’s quality shone through. Heidenheim returned to winning ways on 9th December in a thrilling 3-2 home victory over Darmstadt, turning the game around three times after Mainka’s own goal thanks to goals from Schöppner, Mainka and Mainka again.
They followed up on 16th December by earning a narrow 0-1 away win at Mainz through Pieringer’s early strike. Most recently on 21st December, Heidenheim claimed a dramatic 3-2 home win over Freiburg in extra time thanks to goals from Dinkçi, Kleindienst and a late own goal from Ginter. Overall, Heidenheim have shown fighting spirit but must improve defensive stability after conceding at least twice in 4 of these 5 games.
