FC Heidenheim vs RB Leipzig Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 24 January

FC Heidenheim will face RB Leipzig in an intriguing Bundesliga clash at the Voith-Arena on Saturday, 24 January. This match promises to be a fascinating encounter as both teams look to assert their dominance in the league. FC Heidenheim, playing at home, will aim to leverage their familiarity with the Voith-Arena to challenge the more established RB Leipzig. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig will be keen to capitalise on their experience and continue their strong run in the Bundesliga.

The significance of this match cannot be understated, as both teams are eager to secure valuable points. FC Heidenheim will be looking to climb the league table, while RB Leipzig aim to maintain their position among the top contenders. With the Voith-Arena providing the backdrop, fans can expect a competitive and closely contested match. These betting tips will break down the potential outcomes and key players to watch in this Bundesliga showdown.

FC Heidenheim vs RB Leipzig Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
RB Leipzig -1.50 in 1st half (Asian Handicap)	4.85

Considering current form and historical performance, our recommended betting tip is RB Leipzig to win with a -1.5 Asian handicap in the first half. Leipzig’s aggressive start and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses early on make this a strong possibility.

• RB Leipzig have consistently scored first in 76% of their matches this season, showcasing their ability to dominate early.
• Heidenheim have struggled defensively at home, conceding 19 goals, which Leipzig can capitalise on with their high-intensity play.
• Leipzig’s recent form and strategic use of quick passing and wide play have frequently led to early leads, making the -1.5 Asian handicap a solid bet.

Betting Odds

FC Heidenheim face a tough challenge against RB Leipzig, with the visitors coming in as strong favourites. The match odds reflect Leipzig’s superior form, offering a decimal of 1.57 for an away win. Meanwhile, Heidenheim’s odds are set at 5.18, suggesting a potential upset could yield significant returns.

Betting Tip	Odds
FC Heidenheim to triumph	5.18
Match ends in a draw	4.36
RB Leipzig to come out on top	1.57

For those looking at alternative markets, the odds for a draw are at 4.36, which might attract attention given Heidenheim’s home advantage. Additionally, considering Leipzig’s attacking prowess, betting on over 2.5 goals could be a savvy move.

FC Heidenheim Analysis & Past Performance

FC Heidenheim’s recent form has been less than stellar, with no wins in their last five Bundesliga outings. They’ve recorded three losses and two draws, highlighting a struggle to convert matches into victories. Their latest draw came against Wolfsburg, ending 1-1, which followed a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Mainz 05 and a 2-2 draw with FC Köln.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wolfsburg	FC Heidenheim	1 – 1 (Draw)	Bundesliga	17 Jan 2026
Mainz 05	FC Heidenheim	2 – 1 (Loss)	Bundesliga	13 Jan 2026
FC Heidenheim	FC Koln	2 – 2 (Draw)	Bundesliga	10 Jan 2026
FC Heidenheim	Bayern Munich	0 – 4 (Loss)	Bundesliga	21 Dec 2025
St. Pauli	FC Heidenheim	2 – 1 (Loss)	Bundesliga	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• DLDLL

In terms of offensive output, Heidenheim have averaged 1.00 goal per game over their last five fixtures, scoring in four of these encounters but failing to secure a clean sheet, conceding an average of 2.20 goals. This defensive frailty has been a significant weakness, with the team conceding 11 goals in their last five matches. Notably, they have managed to secure just one home win all season, with a home win ratio of 20%.

FC Heidenheim Suspensions & Injuries

FC Heidenheim face a few injury concerns as they prepare to host RB Leipzig. Leart Paqarada’s long-term absence due to a cruciate ligament injury continues to be a significant blow, affecting their left-back options. Meanwhile, Budu Zivzivadze’s knee injury rules him out until late January, limiting their attacking depth. Christian Conteh, suffering from a medial collateral ligament injury, and Hennes Behrens, lacking fitness, are expected to return shortly, which might provide some relief to the squad’s depth.

In midfield, the absence of Adam Kölle due to illness and Jonas Föhrenbach’s thigh injury until mid-February could disrupt Heidenheim’s rotation and tactical flexibility. With these players sidelined, Frank Schmidt may rely heavily on his current starting lineup, which includes Adrian Beck and Niklas Dorsch, to maintain midfield control and creativity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Leart Paqarada	Cruciate ligament injury	Late May 2026
Budu Zivzivadze	Knee injury	Late January 2026
Christian Conteh	Medial Collateral Ligament injury	About a week
Hennes Behrens	Lack of fitness	About a week
Adam Kölle	Illness	Few days
Jonas Föhrenbach	Thigh injury	Mid February 2026

Given these absences, tactical adjustments might include a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity against Leipzig’s potent attack. The pressure will be on the available starters to perform consistently, especially in the absence of key rotational players. This situation could influence betting markets, with Heidenheim’s injuries potentially tipping the scales in favour of Leipzig as favourites.

FC Heidenheim Key Players

FC Heidenheim will look to their top scorer, Stefan Schimmer, who has netted five goals this season, to spearhead their attack against RB Leipzig. Schimmer’s ability to find space and convert chances will be crucial in breaking down a typically sturdy Leipzig defence. His role as a forward is pivotal, as he combines physicality with a keen eye for goal, making him a constant threat in the final third.

In midfield, Niklas Dorsch stands out as the playmaker, capable of dictating the tempo with his precise passing and vision. His partnership with Jan Schöppner is vital for maintaining control and transitioning the team from defence to attack. Defensively, Patrick Mainka anchors the backline, bringing leadership and aerial prowess, which are essential in countering Leipzig’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for FC Heidenheim

• Goalkeeper: Diant Ramaj
• Defence: Marnon-Thomas Busch, Patrick Mainka, Benedikt Gimber, Omar Traoré
• Midfield: Adrian Beck, Jan Schöppner, Niklas Dorsch, Arijon Ibrahimović
• Forward: Marvin Pieringer, Mathias Honsak

The tactical impact of these key players will shape FC Heidenheim’s approach, emphasising a balance between solid defence and opportunistic attack. Schimmer’s finishing, Dorsch’s creativity, and Mainka’s defensive solidity form the backbone of their strategy, aiming to exploit any weaknesses in Leipzig’s formation.

FC Heidenheim Tactics and Formation

FC Heidenheim Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-1-2
• Key Forward: Marvin Pieringer
• Midfield Pivot: Jan Schöppner and Niklas Dorsch
• Defensive Challenges: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Compact midfield and reliance on counter-attacks.

In their 4-3-1-2 formation, FC Heidenheim aim to maintain a compact structure through the midfield with Jan Schöppner and Niklas Dorsch providing crucial balance between defence and attack. Adrian Beck, operating in an advanced role, is tasked with linking up play and supporting the forwards Marvin Pieringer and Mathias Honsak.

Defensively, Heidenheim have struggled to keep clean sheets, failing to do so in their last five matches. The backline, led by Patrick Mainka and Benedikt Gimber, needs to address issues of conceding goals, as they have allowed an average of 2.20 goals per game recently.

Offensively, the team relies on swift counter-attacks, where the pace and positioning of Pieringer and Honsak are critical. Despite their defensive vulnerabilities, Heidenheim’s ability to score in four out of their last five matches highlights their potential threat on the break.

RB Leipzig Analysis & Past Performance

RB Leipzig’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins and three losses in their last five fixtures. Notably, they secured a commanding 6-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt but suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat at home against Bayern Munich in their latest outing.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
RB Leipzig	Bayern Munich	1 – 5 (Loss)	Bundesliga	17 Jan 2026
RB Leipzig	Freiburg	2 – 0 (Win)	Bundesliga	14 Jan 2026
RB Leipzig	Bayer Leverkusen	1 – 3 (Loss)	Bundesliga	20 Dec 2025
Union Berlin	RB Leipzig	3 – 1 (Loss)	Bundesliga	12 Dec 2025
RB Leipzig	Eintracht Frankfurt	6 – 0 (Win)	Bundesliga	6 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• LWLLW

Despite their inconsistent results, Leipzig have maintained a decent offensive output, averaging 2.20 goals per game in their last five matches. However, their defensive vulnerabilities are evident as they have also conceded 2.20 goals per game during this period, managing only two clean sheets. Their away form has seen them win two, draw one, and lose two of their last five away games, indicating room for improvement on the road. Currently sitting fifth in the Bundesliga with 32 points, Leipzig’s key challenge remains solidifying their defensive lines while leveraging their attacking prowess led by top scorer Rômulo Cruz.

RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries

RB Leipzig face some challenges with key players unavailable due to injuries. Johan Bakayoko’s calf injury, expected to keep him out until late January, is a significant blow, particularly given his impact on the wing. His absence will likely push Ole Werner to rely more on Antonio Nusa, who will need to step up in Bakayoko’s usual role, ensuring that the team’s attacking width remains potent.

Lukas Klostermann’s flu means he should return in a few days, but his absence may affect the defensive depth temporarily. The flexibility of Ridle Baku and David Raum, both in the starting lineup, will be crucial for maintaining stability at the back during his short absence.

Assan Ouédraogo’s knee injury, with a return expected in early March, limits Leipzig’s midfield options. This absence puts additional pressure on Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager to control the midfield, with Christoph Baumgartner likely stepping into more pivotal roles as the team adapts.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Viggo Gebel	Cruciate ligament injury	Early July 2026
Johan Bakayoko	Calf injury	Late January 2026
Lukas Klostermann	Flu	Few days
Assan Ouédraogo	Knee injury	Early March 2026

RB Leipzig Key Players

At the forefront of RB Leipzig’s attack is Rômulo Cruz, the team’s top scorer with six goals this season. Cruz’s clinical finishing and intelligent positioning make him a constant threat in front of goal, crucial to Leipzig’s offensive strategies. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses will be pivotal against FC Heidenheim.

Supporting Cruz in the forward line are Antonio Nusa and Yan Diomande, who bring pace and creativity, enhancing Leipzig’s attacking options. In midfield, Christoph Baumgartner stands out as a dynamic playmaker, capable of dictating the tempo and providing incisive passes, while Xaver Schlager ensures defensive solidity and transitions. Defensively, Willi Orbán and Castello Lukeba form a robust partnership, vital for maintaining a solid backline.

Expected lineup for RB Leipzig

• Goalkeeper: Péter Gulácsi
• Defence: Ridle Baku, Willi Orbán, David Raum, Castello Lukeba
• Midfield: Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Christoph Baumgartner
• Forward: Rômulo Cruz, Antonio Nusa, Yan Diomande

These key players collectively shape RB Leipzig’s tactical approach, emphasising high pressing and quick transitions. The synergy between the midfield and forward lines, particularly the interplay involving Baumgartner and Cruz, is likely to be a decisive factor in unlocking Heidenheim’s defence. Their strengths lie in their ability to maintain possession and execute swift counter-attacks, potentially overwhelming the opposition.

RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation

RB Leipzig Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Rômulo Cruz
• Midfield Engine: Xaver Schlager
• Defensive Challenge: Conceded five goals against Bayern Munich
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and rapid counterattacks.

RB Leipzig’s 4-3-3 formation provides a balanced approach, allowing the team to be flexible in both offensive and defensive transitions. The midfield trio, led by Xaver Schlager, focuses on controlling the tempo and distributing the ball effectively, while Nicolas Seiwald and Christoph Baumgartner offer support in both attack and defence.

Defensively, RB Leipzig rely on the experienced Péter Gulácsi in goal, with a backline featuring Ridle Baku and David Raum as full-backs, and Willi Orbán and Castello Lukeba as central defenders. Despite this setup, their recent match against Bayern Munich exposed vulnerabilities, conceding five goals and highlighting the need for improved defensive coordination.

Offensively, the team thrive on high pressing and rapid counterattacks, with Rômulo Cruz leading the line. Antonio Nusa and Yan Diomande provide width and pace, crucial for stretching opposition defences. However, the absence of Johan Bakayoko due to injury may impact their attacking options, requiring tactical adjustments from coach Ole Werner.

FC Heidenheim vs RB Leipzig Head-to-Head Record

In their head-to-head record, RB Leipzig have been dominant, winning six out of the eleven encounters, while FC Heidenheim have only managed a single victory, with the remaining four matches ending in draws. The last meeting saw Leipzig secure a 2-0 win at home in the Bundesliga, continuing their strong form against Heidenheim.

The last time FC Heidenheim hosted RB Leipzig at the Voith-Arena, it ended in a narrow 1-2 defeat for the home side. Leipzig’s ability to win away from home has been a consistent theme in this fixture, reflecting their overall upper hand in these matchups.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
RB Leipzig	FC Heidenheim	2 – 0	Bundesliga	2025-08-30
RB Leipzig	FC Heidenheim	2 – 2	Bundesliga	2025-02-23
FC Heidenheim	RB Leipzig	0 – 1	Bundesliga	2024-10-06
FC Heidenheim	RB Leipzig	1 – 2	Bundesliga	2024-04-20
RB Leipzig	FC Heidenheim	2 – 1	Bundesliga	2023-12-02