Play of the Day: FC Heidenheim vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Bundesliga, 1 Nov 2025)
My Pick: Frankfurt -1 Asian Handicap (odds 2.55)
Heidenheim, currently sitting 17th in the Bundesliga table, find themselves deep in the relegation zone and struggling badly this season. With just four points from eight matches and six losses already, their campaign has been as poor as expected after a summer without significant reinforcements. The loss of key players and lack of attacking quality have left them among the league’s weakest sides, both in terms of expected goals created and conceded. Schimmer, a bench player, remains their top scorer with only two goals, while defensively, their frailty has been glaring. This week’s DFB Pokal exit at home to Hamburg only deepened the hopelessness, and it’s difficult to see where improvement might come from. Although midfielder Dorsch works tirelessly, the rest of the squad looks anonymous, and there is a good chance Heidenheim will lose yet again.
Their next test comes against Eintracht Frankfurt, a side that has been one of the most consistent and entertaining in the Bundesliga in recent seasons. Frankfurt possess a clear quality advantage, with superior attacking and defensive capabilities, and have dominated this matchup historically, winning all four meetings since Heidenheim’s promotion, including a 7-0 aggregate triumph last season.
After a fantastic start to the current campaign, however, Frankfurt’s recent form has dipped slightly. They managed a solid 2-0 victory over St. Pauli last weekend but were knocked out of the DFB Pokal on penalties by Borussia Dortmund midweek. That result means just one win in their last six competitive matches, and Hugo Larsson and his teammates are eager to get back on track. There’s every reason to believe they can do so on Saturday against struggling opposition. Burkardt, who netted both goals against St. Pauli, leads the line effectively, with young talent Uzun playing just behind him. Knauff and Doan add width and creativity from the flanks, ensuring that Frankfurt continue to generate plenty of scoring chances.
Eintracht’s season so far has been marked by attacking flair and defensive chaos; they consistently create high xG numbers but also concede plenty. Yet, facing the league’s weakest team, their defensive issues are less likely to be exposed. This weekend presents an ideal opportunity for Frankfurt to capitalise on their attacking strengths, dominate possession, and convert chances into goals. Given their all-or-nothing performances, a -1.0 handicap bet at odds around 2.55 seems particularly appealing, as Frankfurt look poised to bounce back with a convincing away victory over a Heidenheim side sinking deeper into trouble.
AI Prediction:
Heidenheim 25%
Draw 25%
Frankfurt 50%
Recent H2H:
Frankfurt have won all 5 meetings, scoring 13 and conceding just 2.
Injuries/Suspension:
Heidenheim: Frank Feller (GK), Leart Paçarada (LB), Sirlord Conteh (RW), Mikkel Kaufmann (CF), Tim Siersleben (CB, suspended)
Frankfurt: Elias Baum (RB), Jessic Ngankam (CF), Oscar Højlund (Mid)
Key Stats:
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Frankfurt have won their last 4 vs Heidenheim, leading at both HT and FT
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Heidenheim: 25% of home games failed to score
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Frankfurt: Scored in all away matches
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88% of matches for both teams go Over 2.5 goals and BTTS
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Frankfurt +140% better in goals scored vs Heidenheim
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