Prediction: Heidenheim vs Chelsea

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: 888sport

Heidenheim and Chelsea are set to clash at Voith-Arena on Thursday in a Conference League fixture, with both teams aiming to maintain their perfect records in the competition.

Heidenheim enter the match off a heavy Bundesliga defeat to the reigning champions, while Chelsea’s promising start to the Premier League season under their dynamic management has kept spirits high. This encounter promises to test Heidenheim’s resilience against a Chelsea side brimming with confidence and momentum.

Heidenheim

Heidenheim’s remarkable journey under Frank Schmidt continues as they prepare to host Chelsea in a landmark European fixture at Voith-Arena. Schmidt, at the helm since 2007, once dreamed of reaching Germany’s second tier, but his side now faces the reality of competing against two-time European champions Chelsea in the Conference League.

Despite their inexperience in continental competitions, Heidenheim has impressed with a perfect start in the tournament, defeating NK Olimpija Ljubljana, Pafos FC, and Hearts to sit sixth in the 36-team league standings. However, domestically, their fortunes have waned. An eighth-place Bundesliga finish last season secured their European berth, but this term, they sit 15th, just two points above the relegation-playoff spot.

Following the international break, Heidenheim suffered a 5-2 loss to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen despite an early two-goal lead, extending their winless streak across all domestic competitions to seven matches. Their flawless Conference League campaign contrasts starkly with their struggles, setting the stage for a challenging encounter against Chelsea on Thursday.

Team News

Heidenheim’s preparations for their clash with Chelsea have been hit by a major setback, as top scorer Marvin Pieringer is sidelined until early February with an Achilles tendon injury sustained against Bayer Leverkusen. The forward, who has netted four times this season, adds to the team’s growing injury woes.

Long-term absentee Luka Jens remains unavailable due to a shoulder issue that has kept the 20-year-old out all season. Additionally, midfielders Thomas Leon Keller and Julian Niehues are yet to feature in the 2024-25 campaign because of their respective fitness problems, leaving Frank Schmidt with a depleted squad for Thursday’s high-profile European fixture.

Chelsea

Since their late October EFL Cup exit to Newcastle United, Chelsea have gone unbeaten in November, extending their run with a 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Saturday. Nicolas Jackson continued his resurgence, netting his seventh Premier League goal of the season, while Enzo Fernandez sealed the win in the second half.

Enzo Maresca’s men have earned eight points from their last four league matches, placing them third in the Premier League, just one point behind Manchester City, as they approach the busy festive schedule.

In Europe, Chelsea have dominated the Conference League, scoring 16 goals across three matches. Their last outing was an emphatic 8-0 win against FC Noah, with Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku both bagging braces, underlining the Blues’ status as tournament favourites.

Team News

Pedro Neto is racing to recover from a knock sustained during international duty with Portugal, while Reece James awaits scan results on a fresh hamstring strain, potentially sidelining him for an extended period. Malo Gusto’s availability is also uncertain after missing the Leicester win due to illness.

Given the packed schedule ahead, manager Enzo Maresca is likely to rotate his squad, with opportunities for players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Axel Disasi, and Renato Veiga to feature in the starting XI.

Conclusion

Heidenheim’s remarkable journey from Germany’s third tier to hosting European giants Chelsea at Voith-Arena highlights their extraordinary rise. Despite Enzo Maresca likely fielding a rotated Chelsea squad, the occasion remains monumental for FCH supporters.

While their enthusiasm will be high, the gulf in quality suggests the home side may face a challenging evening against the formidable visitors.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: 888sport