Nürnberg
Nurnberg missed out on the win at Dresden when conceding a stoppage time equaliser. At home they should look to retrieve the lost points and play more actively as well, as the burden of being favourites is on them now. Dresden away proved to be the expected tough season opener. Nurnberg actually did well in first half in which they absorbed the pressure from the fanatic hosts and took the lead in clinical way right before the break through a Burgstaller penalty. A too passive second period however followed and the punishment came deep in stoppage time when Dynamo deservedly equalised. A lesson learned for new coach Schwarz and his team, who aim to do better at home now. The same 11 might start in which experienced new arrival Alushi and youngster Mühl found starting spots. The latter is playing the position of Erras, who is still out long-term, but for each department there are options available on the bench. At home expect a more active and attacking approach than on the road, although coach Schwartz will want to ensure defensive balance at all times, it will be interesting to see if he sticks to the 4-1-4-1 system.
Heidenheim
Heidenheim washed away the taste of an unconvincing pre-season campaign as they started the competitive season with a 1-0 win over Erzgebirge Aue. Credit due to coach Schmidt and the team, who did not panic, but found back to a level level right on time. With Kleindienst, who had joined from Freburg, only one new arrival had found his way into the intact starting 11. He replaced Morabit, who is still looking for a transfer and was not in the squad. Morabit, who got the winning goal, proved his ambition to become the new attacking leader after the departure of Leipertz. Schmidt might stick to last week’s compact 4-2-3-1 for this road game as the same tactical setting should be due, stand compact when defending to come out for quick attacks when winning the ball.
Verdict & Prediction
Both team have no important missings and both have good defences. But given the home advantage and more experienced/offensive players, I have to stick with the home team. Bet on Nürnberg to deliver!
Prediction : Nürnberg -0.50 AH (same as Nürnberg to win match)
Odds : 1.95 Pinnacle / SBOBET
