With a one-point lead over the relegation zone and an opponent that has clearly dominated recent head-to-head matches, 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 welcomes SC Freiburg in exactly this constellation. Heidenheim is in 16th place and urgently needs points in the fight against relegation, while Freiburg is safely mid-table with 16 points and wants to secure this position in the Bundesliga. In recent Bundesliga encounters, the Sportclub has had clear advantages, with Freiburg winning three and drawing one of the last four meetings. Overall, Freiburg has scored in each of the last five encounters, while Heidenheim has conceded goals in all five games. Heidenheim’s only win in this series dates back to December 2023, when they won 3-2. Nevertheless, the current momentum does not seem one-sided. Heidenheim is coming off a dramatic 2-1 win at Union Berlin with late goals, while Freiburg sent a strong signal with a confident 2-0 cup win against Darmstadt but then fell short of its own expectations with a 0-0 draw in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen. Coach Julian Schuster described the mood afterwards as “torn.” In terms of personnel, Heidenheim will have to do without the suspended Paçarada and the injured Zivzivadze, Kaufmann, and Conteh, while Freiburg will be missing Makengo, Kyereh, and Dinkçi, a trio with muscular or fitness-related problems. Both coaches will have to adjust their lineups accordingly. Based on recent head-to-head results, Freiburg’s constant goal threat and the nominally greater quality of their squad, SC Freiburg are the favorites, with the betting market giving them a more than 50% chance of winning. Heidenheim could still spring a surprise with home advantage, high intensity, and the fresh experience of their late away win against Union, but a draw or a narrow home win remain significantly riskier from an analytical perspective.
- Venue: Voith Arena, Heidenheim
- Date and time: December 6, 2025, 3:30 p.m.
- Competition: Bundesliga (matchday 13)
Freiburg is clearly favored in the betting markets, with odds of around 1.9 for Freiburg and 3.9 for Heidenheim. The form also favors the visitors, who have earned ten points from their last five games, scored in the first half in around 80% of their games this season, and most recently won 4-0 against Mainz. Heidenheim, on the other hand, is struggling with significant defensive problems. The team has conceded goals in each of its last five games, including a 6-0 defeat in Leverkusen and a 3-0 home defeat against Gladbach. In addition, two strikers, Zivzivadze and Kaufmann, are out with injuries, which limits the options in attack. Against this backdrop, the main tip is for Freiburg to win, based on their more consistent form, broader squad depth, and overall better offensive and defensive record, with odds of 1.9 offering moderate value. Half-time is questionable, as Heidenheim has lost the last four second halves, while Freiburg often only really gets going after the break. There is a chance of higher odds, but the risk is correspondingly greater. Over 2.5 goals also seems plausible, with Freiburg’s offensive strength and Heidenheim’s vulnerability suggesting several goals, especially as the hosts could open up even more space if they fall behind. At the same time, none of these recommendations are certain. Random moments, last-minute injuries, tactical changes, or a special course of play, such as an early red card or difficult field conditions, can overturn any prediction. Above all, betting on Freiburg in the second half and over 2.5 goals promises a higher payout, but also carries an increased risk of loss. so only money that you can afford to lose should be wagered. In conclusion, Freiburg to win remains the most logical bet based on the numbers and current form. Those looking for additional excitement and higher odds may consider betting on Freiburg to score in the second half or over 2.5 goals.
Heidenheim Form & Record Check
1. FC Heidenheim is in 16th place with a goal difference of minus 17. The situation at the bottom of the table is tense, with Wolfsburg one point ahead of Heidenheim and St. Pauli one point behind, so the pressure to avoid relegation is correspondingly high. The recent 2-1 away win at Union Berlin was particularly significant mentally. With a late equalizer from Schimmer in the 90th minute and the winning goal from Schöppner in stoppage time, the team showed morale and fighting spirit, which can give them new confidence. Overall, however, the team’s form remains poor. In addition to the 3-0 home defeat to Gladbach, the 6-0 loss in Leverkusen is particularly significant, and the cup exit against HSV also fits into this picture. In the last five competitive games, Heidenheim has conceded at least one goal in each game, with the defense appearing unstable and prone to mistakes. A clear pattern can be seen: the first halves are often relatively quiet, with the big problems usually occurring after the break. In four of their last five games, Heidenheim lost the second half, with only Berlin seeing a late turnaround. To make matters worse, there are personnel losses in the offense, with Zivzivadze and Kaufmann, two strikers, out injured, and Paçarada suspended, which affects both chance creation and finishing. In the short term, the focus must therefore be on stabilizing the defensive organization and set pieces, as well as making physical and tactical adjustments for stronger second halves and variations in the attacking play despite the absences, for example via crosses, set pieces, and quick transitions, supplemented by mental work to lead the team out of its results crisis.
Frank Schmidt is likely to stick with a back three again after the late win in Berlin, sticking with his usual 3-4-2-1 system. In attack, two important strikers, Zivzivadze and Kaufmann, are missing due to injury, so the alternatives in the center of the attack are limited. Pieringer is likely to be the lone striker, with Beck and Honsak occupying the attacking midfield positions behind him. Paçarada is suspended in defense, so Föhrenbach and Busch will likely start on the wings. The back three of Mainka, Gimber, and Keller has worked well recently and is likely to form the center again. In central midfield, Dorsch and Niehues will provide stability and maintain the balance between defense and playmaking. The question remains whether Schmidt will start Schimmer and Schöppner this time after their substitute goals in Berlin. Currently, both seem to be strong options from the bench.
Freiburg Form & Record Check
Freiburg are in 8th place with 16 points in a tight midfield, level on points with Werder Bremen and five points behind Eintracht Frankfurt. Overall, the season has been solid, with only two defeats in 15 competitive games, even if their form has fluctuated. Positive results include a 4-0 win against Mainz, which was helped by the visitors being down to ten men in the second half, and a 2-0 win against Darmstadt in the DFB Cup, in which Grifo converted a penalty and set up the second goal. On the other hand, the 6-2 defeat at Bayern was a clear setback, which Julian Schuster will probably classify as a learning experience. Freiburg has been very stable in the Europa League, with 11 points from five games, the team is unbeaten and in 4th place, just one point behind Lyon. The goalless draw in Pilsen was logical after Freiburg dominated the first half hour, and direct qualification for the round of 16 remains within reach. Their style of play and statistics point to a strong offense, with Freiburg leading at halftime in four of their last five games and more than 1.5 goals scored in around 80% of their games. Grifo stands out, with a converted penalty, an assist, but also a recently missed penalty. Makengo, Dinkçi, and Kyereh are unavailable due to muscle or fitness issues, which reduces the rotation options in the tight schedule. So far, the team has looked robust, but the strain of the Bundesliga, Europa League, and cup will show how deep the squad really is in the weeks before the winter break.
Müller will be in goal for SC Freiburg. In front of him, a back four of Kübler, Ginter, Lienhart, and Günter is expected to start. Eggestein and Höfler will form the central midfield duo. In the attacking trio, Grifo will play on the left, Beste will occupy the central attacking position, and Manzambi will come in from the right. Höler is set to lead the line. Julian Schuster is the coach. Dinkçi will be missing due to muscle problems, as will Makengo and Kyereh, who are also unavailable. Schuster is likely to field a very similar starting eleven to the last game. Grifo is undisputed after his converted penalty against Darmstadt, and Manzambi recommended himself for another starting place with his goal threat against Pilsen.
Heidenheim – Freiburg Head-to-head & statistics
Freiburg has clearly dominated the last five encounters with Heidenheim, with three wins for Freiburg, one win for Heidenheim in December 2023 (3-2) and one draw in May 2024 (1-1). The two most recent matches in September 2024 (3-0) and February 2025 (1-0) were clear wins for the Sportclub, so the trend clearly favors the visitors. The goal statistics paint a similar picture, with Freiburg scoring in all five games, while Heidenheim conceded at least one goal in each, underlining the Breisgauers’ offensive consistency and Heidenheim’s defensive vulnerability in direct comparison. The course of the games is also striking: in four of these five encounters, fewer than two goals were scored at half-time, meaning that the majority of the goals were scored after the break, with the final scores mostly controlled and not extremely high-scoring. Overall, history clearly favors Freiburg, with consistent goal involvement and a comparatively stable defense against Heidenheim. The hosts must above all break their streak of conceding goals in these duels in order to reverse the previous trend in direct comparison.
