FC Heidenheim vs FC Köln Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 10 January

FC Heidenheim will face FC Köln in a Bundesliga clash at Voith-Arena on Saturday, 10 January. This fixture is significant in the league, as both teams are aiming to climb the standings. FC Heidenheim, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with Voith-Arena to secure a crucial win. Meanwhile, FC Köln, known for their resilient performances, will be eager to challenge their hosts and collect valuable points on the road.

The Bundesliga encounter between FC Heidenheim and FC Köln promises to be an intriguing battle, with both teams possessing distinct strengths. FC Heidenheim’s home advantage at Voith-Arena could prove pivotal, while FC Köln’s experience in the league might give them an edge. As we delve into this prediction, match preview, and betting tips, it is clear that the outcome could have significant implications for both sides in their respective campaigns.

FC Heidenheim vs FC Köln Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score: yes	1.63

Taking into account the current form and defensive issues of Heidenheim, combined with Köln’s solid but winless streak, our recommended betting tip for this match is ‘Both Teams to Score’. Heidenheim have shown vulnerability in defence, conceding 34 goals in 15 games, while Köln have managed to find the net even during their winless run.

• Heidenheim have the worst defence in the league, conceding 34 goals in 15 games, making it likely they’ll concede again.
• Despite their current form, Köln have consistently scored, indicating they can take advantage of Heidenheim’s defensive frailties.
• Both teams have a tendency to score and concede, as reflected in their recent matches and overall season performance.

Betting Odds

In this Bundesliga clash, FC Köln are slight favourites with odds of 2.32, while FC Heidenheim are priced at 2.91 to win at home. The draw is on offer at 3.49, indicating a closely contested match is expected.

Betting Tip	Odds
FC Heidenheim to win	2.91
Draw	3.49
FC Köln to win	2.32

For those looking to place a bet, the match odds suggest a tight affair, but Köln’s slight edge in the betting odds could be worth considering. Additionally, exploring markets such as both teams to score might be rewarding given both teams’ attacking capabilities.

FC Heidenheim Analysis & Past Performance

FC Heidenheim’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins and three losses in their last five matches. The team secured victories against Freiburg (2-1) and Union Berlin (2-1), but suffered defeats to Bayern Munich (0-4), St. Pauli (1-2), and Borussia Mönchengladbach (0-3). This run of results places them near the bottom of the Bundesliga table, currently in 17th position with 11 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Heidenheim	Bayern Munich	0 – 4 (Loss)	Bundesliga	21 Dec 2025
St. Pauli	FC Heidenheim	2 – 1 (Loss)	Bundesliga	13 Dec 2025
FC Heidenheim	Freiburg	2 – 1 (Win)	Bundesliga	6 Dec 2025
Union Berlin	FC Heidenheim	1 – 2 (Win)	Bundesliga	29 Nov 2025
FC Heidenheim	Borussia Mönchengladbach	0 – 3 (Loss)	Bundesliga	22 Nov 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Heidenheim have been underwhelming, averaging just 1.00 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have struggled, conceding an average of 2.20 goals per game, and have failed to keep a single clean sheet in this period. At home, they have managed only one win out of their last five matches, highlighting their vulnerability at the Voith-Arena.

Performance Insights:

• LLWWL

Key tactical insights reveal that Heidenheim’s primary weakness lies in their defence, having conceded 11 goals in their last five matches. Despite Stefan Schimmer being their top scorer with 4 goals this season, the team needs to find more attacking options and improve their defensive organisation to avoid the drop zone.

FC Heidenheim Suspensions & Injuries

FC Heidenheim face a challenging situation with injuries affecting their squad ahead of the match against FC Köln. Notably, Frank Feller and Budu Zivzivadze are both sidelined with knee injuries, expected to return by mid-January 2026. This timing suggests they will miss the upcoming fixture, potentially impacting Heidenheim’s attacking options. Additionally, Leart Paqarada’s cruciate ligament injury will keep him out until late May 2026, removing him from defensive considerations for the foreseeable future.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Frank Feller	Knee injury	Mid-January 2026
Leart Paqarada	Cruciate ligament injury	Late May 2026
Budu Zivzivadze	Knee injury	Mid-January 2026

The absence of Feller and Zivzivadze could force coach Frank Schmidt to rely heavily on Mathias Honsak and Marvin Pieringer in the forward positions, putting pressure on them to deliver in front of goal. This might lead to tactical adjustments, possibly emphasising a more conservative approach to compensate for the reduced attacking depth.

With no suspensions to contend with, Heidenheim’s defensive lineup remains intact, allowing them to maintain their preferred 3-5-2 formation. However, the lack of depth due to injuries could influence betting markets, as punters might consider the team’s limited attacking options when placing their wagers.

FC Heidenheim Key Players

FC Heidenheim’s hopes in the upcoming Bundesliga clash will rest heavily on the shoulders of Stefan Schimmer, their top scorer with 4 goals this season. Schimmer’s ability to find the back of the net with precision makes him a constant threat to any defence. His role at the forefront of the attack, alongside Mathias Honsak and Marvin Pieringer, will be pivotal in breaking down FC Köln’s defensive lines.

Jan Schöppner and Niklas Dorsch in midfield will be instrumental in controlling the tempo of the game. Their ability to distribute the ball effectively and shield the defence will be crucial. On the defensive end, Patrick Mainka and Benedikt Gimber form a formidable partnership, tasked with maintaining a solid backline and preventing any breakthroughs from the opposition.

Expected lineup for FC Heidenheim:

• Goalkeeper: Diant Ramaj
• Defence: Marnon-Thomas Busch, Patrick Mainka, Benedikt Gimber
• Midfield: Omar Traoré, Jan Schöppner, Niklas Dorsch, Luca Kerber, Jonas Föhrenbach
• Forward: Mathias Honsak, Marvin Pieringer

Overall, FC Heidenheim’s tactical setup relies on a blend of solid defence and sharp attacking plays. Schimmer’s finishing, along with the midfield’s control and defensive solidity, will be key in dictating the match’s outcome. The team’s strengths lie in their organised structure and ability to capitalise on set-pieces, which could be decisive against FC Köln.

FC Heidenheim Tactics and Formation

FC Heidenheim Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Mathias Honsak
• Midfield Pivot: Niklas Dorsch and Jan Schöppner
• Defensive Challenges: Conceded 11 goals in the last five games without a clean sheet.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on midfield control and wing-back support.

FC Heidenheim’s 3-5-2 formation allows for a compact midfield presence, with Niklas Dorsch and Jan Schöppner instrumental in both defensive duties and transitioning play. This setup is designed to control the tempo and provide flexibility in attacking phases.

Offensively, Mathias Honsak leads the line alongside Marvin Pieringer. The team relies on wing-backs Omar Traoré and Jonas Föhrenbach to provide width and deliver crosses, aiming to exploit the flanks and stretch the opposition’s defence.

Defensively, Heidenheim’s three-man backline, featuring Marnon-Thomas Busch, Patrick Mainka, and Benedikt Gimber, has struggled recently, conceding 11 goals in their last five matches. The lack of clean sheets indicates vulnerabilities, especially when facing high-pressure opposition.

FC Köln Analysis & Past Performance

FC Köln have experienced a challenging period in their recent form, securing only one win in their last five matches. Their recent performances include a narrow 2-1 friendly victory over FC Lugano but a disappointing 0-1 Bundesliga loss to Union Berlin.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
FC Köln	FC Lugano	2 – 1 (Win)	Club Friendlies	5 Jan 2026
FC Köln	Union Berlin	0 – 1 (Loss)	Bundesliga	20 Dec 2025
Bayer Leverkusen	FC Köln	2 – 0 (Loss)	Bundesliga	13 Dec 2025
FC Köln	St. Pauli	1 – 1 (Draw)	Bundesliga	6 Dec 2025
Werder Bremen	FC Köln	1 – 1 (Draw)	Bundesliga	29 Nov 2025

Recent Form:

• WLLDD

Köln’s offensive unit has been somewhat inconsistent, with an average of 0.80 goals per game over their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have struggled, conceding 1.20 goals per match and failing to keep a clean sheet in this period. Away from home, their performance has dipped, winning just once in their last five away matches, contributing to a win ratio of 20% on the road. Their current standing in the league is 11th, with 16 points, indicating their mid-bottom rating. Köln’s reliance on top scorer Sargis Adamyan, who has netted 6 goals so far, highlights their attacking focus. However, the team needs to improve both defensively and in converting opportunities to enhance their overall dynamics and climb the Bundesliga table.

FC Köln Suspensions & Injuries

FC Köln face a challenging situation with several key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions. The absence of Timo Hübers due to knee surgery, which rules him out for the season, is a significant blow to the defensive line. Luca Kilian’s cruciate ligament injury also keeps him sidelined until late May 2026, further straining the defensive options. Joël Schmied’s thigh injury, with a return expected in late January 2026, adds to the woes, leaving FC Köln with limited depth in central defence.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Rav van den Berg	Red card	2	TBD

Rav van den Berg’s two-match suspension following a red card leaves a gap in the defensive setup. His absence means adjustments are necessary, with Cenk Özkacar likely stepping into the centre-back role alongside Dominique Heintz. This could impact the defensive cohesion and stability, as van den Berg has been a regular in the starting lineup.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Luca Kilian	Cruciate ligament injury	Late May 2026
Timo Hübers	Knee surgery	Out for season
Joël Schmied	Thigh injury	Late January 2026

The tactical impact of these absences could see FC Köln adopting a more conservative approach, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive shape to compensate for the missing personnel. These unavailabilities might affect their betting odds, as the team will need to rely on less experienced players to fill crucial roles, potentially altering their usual gameplay dynamics.

FC Köln Key Players

FC Köln’s offensive strategy will heavily rely on Sargis Adamyan, the team’s top scorer with 6 goals this season. Adamyan’s ability to find space and finish clinically has been a defining factor for Köln’s attack. His presence up front is crucial as he combines well with Ragnar Ache, expected to lead the line. Ache’s physicality and aerial prowess offer a complementary threat that could unsettle FC Heidenheim’s defence.

In midfield, the dynamic duo of Jan Thielmann and Eric Martel will be vital. Thielmann’s versatility and ability to drive forward with the ball provide Köln with both creativity and penetration. Meanwhile, Martel’s defensive capabilities and ball-winning skills ensure stability, allowing the team to transition effectively between defence and attack.

Expected lineup for FC Köln

• Goalkeeper: Marvin Schwäbe
• Defenders: Sebastian Sebulonsen, Cenk Özkacar, Dominique Heintz, Kristoffer Lund Hansen
• Midfielders: Tom Krauss, Eric Martel, Jan Thielmann, Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson, Jakub Kamiński
• Forward: Ragnar Ache

Defensively, Cenk Özkacar and Dominique Heintz form a solid centre-back pairing, tasked with the critical job of thwarting Heidenheim’s attacking threats. Özkacar’s composure and Heintz’s experience create a dependable partnership, crucial for maintaining Köln’s defensive solidity. The tactical impact of these key players will shape Köln’s approach as they aim to secure a positive result away from home.

FC Köln Tactics and Formation

FC Köln Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ragnar Ache
• Midfield Pivot: Tom Krauss and Eric Martel
• Defensive Consideration: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High possession play, but struggles in converting opportunities.

FC Köln line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows them to control the game from the midfield. Tom Krauss and Eric Martel form the midfield pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition plays and initiating attacks. The presence of Jan Thielmann as an attacking midfielder is pivotal in linking play with the lone striker, Ragnar Ache.

Defensively, the inclusion of Sebastian Sebulonsen and Kristoffer Lund Hansen in the full-back positions, alongside Cenk Özkacar and Dominique Heintz in central defence, aims to provide stability. However, the absence of key defenders like Luca Kilian and Timo Hübers due to injury has been felt, as highlighted by the lack of clean sheets in recent outings.

Offensively, FC Köln’s strategy revolves around maintaining high possession, as evidenced by their 62% possession in the previous match against Union Berlin. Despite this, converting possession into goals has been a challenge, with their last match resulting in a 0-1 defeat, underscoring the need for sharper finishing from players like Jakub Kamiński and Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson.

FC Heidenheim vs FC Köln H2H Record

The head-to-head record between FC Heidenheim and FC Köln is evenly matched, with each team securing a win and two draws from their last four encounters. Their most recent clash saw Heidenheim triumph 4-1 at home in the Bundesliga, showcasing their ability to dominate on familiar turf.

When these two met in the Bundesliga last time at the Voith-Arena, Heidenheim came out on top, which might give them a psychological edge going into this fixture. However, Köln’s previous away win in the 2. Bundesliga indicates they can be a threat on the road.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
FC Heidenheim	FC Köln	4 – 1	Bundesliga	2024-05-18
FC Köln	FC Heidenheim	1 – 1	Bundesliga	2024-01-13
FC Heidenheim	FC Köln	0 – 2	2. Bundesliga	2019-04-07
FC Köln	FC Heidenheim	1 – 1	2. Bundesliga	2018-10-27