Under the Friday night lights at Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund welcome Bundesliga leaders F.C. Heidenheim in what promises to be a thrilling clash.
Borussia Dortmund failed to beat F.C. Heidenheim twice last season. Twelve months ago, when they faced F.C. Heidenheim at Signal Iduna Park, the BVB scored two goals early in the first half, but second-half goals from Eren Dinkci and Tim Kleindienst earned a valuable point for the newly promoted side.
After finishing fifth in the Bundesliga last season, Borussia Dortmund is keen on a much-improved domestic campaign. This was salvaged by an impressive yet unexpected run to the Champions League final. Still, this wasn't enough for the board, as the German giants decided to part ways with Edin Terzic.
The Black and Yellows may have started their Bundesliga campaign with what many considered underwhelming performances (one win and a draw). Still, their defense has remained resolute, keeping back-to-back clean sheets.
However, their solidity could face a stern test on matchday three when the Bundesliga resumes after the international break, as Borussia Dortmund have a history to overcome. In the last two seasons, they've let two-goal leads slip at home during this matchday (one draw, one defeat), casting a shadow of doubt over their ability to close out games.
One of those costly draws came against Heidenheim (2-2), played on a Friday night in September. Remarkably, after another stalemate in the reverse game, F.C. Heidenheim remains the only team Borussia Dortmund has faced in the Bundesliga but never beaten. That could all change this Friday, though, with The BVB boasting an impressive record of being unbeaten in their last 36 Bundesliga home games played on a Friday night since January 2004 (27 wins and nine draws).
Meanwhile, Nuri Sahin's side are set to face Club Brugge in their Champions League opener next week, but first - they need to get back on track in the Bundesliga.
Nico Schlotterbeck was sent off during Dortmund's goalless draw at Werder Bremen before the break, so the German international will be suspended on Friday. However, whether Nuri Sahin will switch formations or stick with a three-person backline remains to be seen.
Having been promoted to the Bundesliga for the first time in their long history (the club was founded in 1846), Frank Schmidt's side finished 8th last season. It looks like they won't suffer a second-season syndrome, especially given their European involvement.
Born in Heidenheim and spending the final years of his career at the club, Schmidt has been managing F.C. Heidenheim since September 2007.
In addition to a strong domestic start, F.C. Heidenheim also enjoyed a 5-3 aggregate victory over Swedish side Hacken in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. However, unlike their opponents, Frank Schmidt's men will begin their League phase matches next month with a home match against Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia.
Even though they are up against a wall - The Yellow Wall - F.C. Heidenheim won't be intimidated by historical stats. They travel to Signal Iduna Park full of confidence, sitting atop the Bundesliga standings for the first time in their history. Their 4-0 demolition of Augsburg just before the international break, the club's largest-ever Bundesliga victory, means, like their opponents, they too are yet to concede a goal this season. With two wins from two, Heidenheim is enjoying a dream start to life in the top flight, and they've made Bundesliga history as the 35th different club to top the table.
Key figures such as Jan-Niklas Beste and Tim Kleindienst left the club over the summer to join Benfica and Gladbach, respectively. Still, the new summer signings are having an immediate impact. For example, German teenager Paul Wanner, who's on loan from Bayern Munich, already boasts four goals and two assists in four matches across all competitions.
Marvin Pieringer will hope to keep his starting spot up front, though fellow striker Maximilian Breunig could be pushing for a start after he scored against F.C. Augsburg last time out.
Despite their hot start, coach Frank Schmidt remains grounded, emphasizing that F.C. Heidenheim is six points closer to their ultimate survival goal. However, with five consecutive competitive wins this season and just one loss from their last 11 Bundesliga away games (four wins and six draws), Schmidt's men might soon need to adjust their aspirations. The club's excellent form on the road suggests that, despite being labeled heavy underdogs, Heidenheim can pull off a surprise.
All in all, F.C. Heidenheim have found the back of the net in 13 of their last 14 Bundesliga matches on the road, highlighting their ability to score away from home.
We believe Borussia Dortmund have the quality to outscore their opponents here, but they might have to work harder than expected.
