It is a must-win game for both RB Leipzig and FC Heidenheim at opposing ends of the table.
RB Leipzig will look to get back to winning ways when they host relegation-threatened FC Heidenheim at Red Bull Arena on Sunday. With the race for the top four intensifying, Marco Rose’s men need maximum points to keep their UEFA Champions League hopes alive, while Heidenheim are in desperate need of a positive result to escape the relegation playoff spot.
Leipzig enter the match in fifth place with 37 points, trailing fourth-placed Freiburg by two points after the Breisgau club’s emphatic 5-0 win over Werder Bremen on Friday. A victory would put Die Roten Bullen back in control of their Champions League destiny, as they still have a game in hand.
Recent weeks have seen Leipzig become harder to break down, with their three consecutive clean sheets marking a significant improvement from their previous defensive struggles. Before this run, they had conceded 14 goals in five Bundesliga matches, a vulnerability that had cost them crucial points.
However, goalscoring has become a concern once again. Despite generating 1.24 expected goals (xG), Leipzig were unable to convert any of their three big chances against Augsburg in their last outing, marking the second time in three matches they have failed to find the back of the net. This dip in attacking efficiency is unexpected, considering they had scored ten goals in their four matches prior.
On a positive note, Leipzig remain a formidable force at home, having won four of their last five Bundesliga matches at Red Bull Arena. The only exception was their 2-2 draw against reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen.
For 16th-placed Heidenheim, survival is the priority, but results have not been kind to Frank Schmidt’s side. Their 2-0 defeat to Mainz 05 in their last Bundesliga outing saw them fail to create a single big chance while conceding twice from four penalty-area shots.
Defensive frailties have plagued Heidenheim throughout the campaign, with the team managing just one clean sheet in their last 18 matches across all competitions. Their backline has been consistently exploited, and they will need a near-perfect display to contain Leipzig’s attacking talent.
Adding to their woes, Heidenheim were eliminated from the UEFA Conference League on Thursday after a 3-1 loss to Copenhagen in the second leg, despite winning the first leg 2-1. Fatigue could also play a role, with their midweek European commitments leaving little time for recovery ahead of a high-intensity Bundesliga clash.
Heidenheim’s 1-0 loss to RB Leipzig in the reverse fixture in October extended their losing streak against Die Roten Bullen to four games, underlining the challenge they face this weekend. Furthermore, Their overall form is dire — they have lost 14 of their last 18 matches, drawing twice and winning just two. Their away form is even worse, with six defeats in their last eight road trips. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig will be boosted by the return of Willi Orban, who is available for selection after serving his suspension. His presence will add stability to the backline as Leipzig aim to maintain their recent defensive improvements. However, they are still without Benjamin Henrichs, whose season has been cut short due to an Achilles tendon injury.
In midfield, Forzan Assan Ouedraogo and Xaver Schlager remain unavailable, which is likely to force Marco Rose to continue with a midfield pairing of Amadou Haidara and Kevin Kampl. Their absence could impact Leipzig’s control in the centre of the pitch, as both Ouedraogo and Schlager have played key roles this season.
The attacking department is also dealing with an injury setback, as Antonio Nusa is still recovering from a knee injury and is unlikely to return before late March. However, Benjamin Sesko, Xavi Simons, and Lois Openda are all expected to start against FC Heidenheim, giving RB Leipzig a potent front line capable of breaking down the visitors’ fragile defence.
Marco Rose is set to deploy his team in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Peter Gulacsi will continue as Leipzig’s last line of defence in goal, with a three-man backline in front of him. Lukas Klostermann will start on the right side of the defence, Willi Orban will occupy the central role upon his return, and Castello Lukeba will take the left-centre-back position.
The wing-back roles will be crucial in providing width, with Ridle Baku expected to start on the right and David Raum operating on the left. The midfield double pivot will consist of Amadou Haidara and Kevin Kampl, both of whom will be responsible for shielding the defence while also distributing the ball to Leipzig’s attacking players.
In the advanced midfield role, Xavi Simons will act as the creative spark, linking up play and feeding the two strikers. The frontline will be led by Loïs Openda and Benjamin Sesko, a dynamic duo that will look to capitalise on Heidenheim’s defensive vulnerabilities with their pace and movement in and around the penalty area.
Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Gulacsi; Klostermann, Orban, Lukeba; Baku, Haidara, Kampl, Raum; Simons; Openda, Sesko
1. FC Heidenheim
Heidenheim have seen their injury list shrink in recent weeks, offering some relief to head coach Frank Schmidt. However, they are still without striker Maximilian Breunig, who remains sidelined until at least the end of next month. His absence limits Heidenheim’s options in attack, with the team having to rely on alternative forward setups.
In midfield, Niklas Dorsch and Thomas Leon Keller are also unavailable, which could force Schmidt to reshuffle his central unit. Their absence means Heidenheim will likely turn to Luca Kerber and Jan Schoppner as the double pivot to provide defensive cover and dictate the tempo of play.
Heidenheim are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kevin Muller starting in goal. The defensive line will consist of Omar Traore at right-back, with skipper Patrick Mainka and Benedikt Gimber forming the centre-back partnership. On the left side of the backline, Jonas Fohrenbach will take charge, balancing defensive responsibilities with overlapping runs forward.
In midfield, Luca Kerber and Jan Schoppner will operate as the two deep-lying midfielders, tasked with breaking up Leipzig’s attacks and maintaining possession under pressure. Their ability to disrupt Leipzig’s attacking rhythm will be crucial in preventing the hosts from dominating proceedings.
Further forward, the attacking midfield trio will see Mathias Honsak deployed on the right wing, Marvin Pieringer in a central attacking role, and Frans Kratzig providing width on the left. These three will be responsible for linking up play and supplying service to the lone striker.
Leading the attack will be Budu Zivzivadze, who will look to exploit any gaps in Leipzig’s defensive line. His physical presence and ability to hold up the ball will be key in helping Heidenheim transition from defence to attack while also offering a direct goal threat.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Muller; Traore, Mainka, Gimber, Fohrenbach; Kerber, Schoppner; Honsak, Pieringer, Kratzig; Zivzivadze
Key Stats
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RB Leipzig have won all three Bundesliga matches against Heidenheim. The only team Leipzig have played more often in the top flight and won every time is Hannover 96 (four wins from four games). Heidenheim have only lost all three of their Bundesliga meetings against two other clubs — Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt.
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Heidenheim have lost all five of their matches in the second half of the Bundesliga season, making them only the 11th team in league history to begin the second half of a campaign with five straight losses. Overall, Frank Schmidt’s team have suffered 16 defeats in the 2024/25 season, the most in the league.
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With just 14 points from 22 matches, Heidenheim have nearly half the points they had at the same stage as a promoted side last season (27). They have won only one of their last 17 Bundesliga matches (2-0 against Union Berlin), with the rest resulting in two draws and 14 losses. Since October 2024, they have collected just five points from a possible 51, the lowest tally in the Bundesliga.
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With 37 points from 22 matches, this is RB Leipzig’s second-worst Bundesliga season at this stage, only surpassing their 2021/22 tally of 34 points. However, Leipzig have an interesting trend—each of their last three Bundesliga victories has come on a Sunday.
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Despite remaining unbeaten in the first five matches of the second half of the season (W1 D4), which is a new club record, their over-reliance on draws has hampered progress. They have only secured seven points from five games, which is just one more than their worst tally of six points in the same period last season.
Player to Watch
Benjamin Sesko
With RB Leipzig eager to reignite their Champions League charge, Benjamin Sesko will be one of the key players to watch against Heidenheim. The Slovenian forward has been growing into his role at Leipzig, offering a blend of pace, physicality, and clinical finishing that makes him a constant threat in the final third.
Sesko’s movement off the ball is one of his biggest assets, allowing him to find space between defenders and capitalise on chances inside the box. Given Heidenheim’s defensive struggles, they have kept just one clean sheet in their last 18 matches, this could be an ideal opportunity for Sesko to make his mark.
Moreover, Leipzig have struggled to convert their chances in recent matches, despite creating promising opportunities. With Marco Rose’s side managing just one goal in their last two Bundesliga outings, the pressure will be on their attacking players to deliver. Sesko’s aerial presence and ability to stretch defences with his intelligent runs will be crucial in breaking down Heidenheim’s backline.
If Leipzig are to secure a much-needed victory and keep pace in the top-four race, expect Benjamin Sesko to play a pivotal role, either by getting on the scoresheet himself or linking up with Lois Openda and Xavi Simons to carve open the opposition defence.
Prediction
RB Leipzig 2-0 1. FC Heidenheim
A comfortable home win is expected, with Leipzig’s defensive stability keeping Heidenheim at bay while their attacking talents find a way through. Leipzig have struggled to convert dominance into wins in recent weeks.
However, their superior quality and Heidenheim’s poor defensive record should see them take all three points. With the visitors lacking confidence and struggling away from home, this presents a prime opportunity for Marco Rose’s men to reignite their Champions League push. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-0 win for Marco Rose and his charges.
