Heidenheim are currently experiencing the poorest mid-season in their Bundesliga history, with only five points after eleven match days and just one win to their name. The Baden-Württemberg side have failed to score in their last two while conceding nine against Leverkusen and Gladbach. The last time they went three games in a row without scoring was in April this year.

Nevertheless, one thing should give them cause for hope, Union are the only team Heidenheim have played at least four times in the Bundesliga and never lost (three wins, one draw). Overall, they remain unbeaten in their last ten competitive matches against Union with seven wins and three draws.

However, their away record tells a different story. Heidenheim are the only team in the league still waiting for their first point on the road. In addition, they have been in one of the bottom two places in the table since the second matchday – though still only three points off safety.

Union and Heidenheim have faced each other in 16 competitive matches to date. Union have won four, there have been three draws, while FCH have emerged victorious on nine occasions.

For Tim Skarke, the duel with Heidenheim has a special significance. Born in Heidenheim, he moved from TSG Nattheim to the FCH youth academy at the age of 11, progressed through all the youth teams and made his debut in the 2. Bundesliga in 2015. Skarke made 70 appearances for his hometown club before moving to Köpenick via Darmstadt and Schalke.

On the other side, Mikkel Kaufmann returns to his old stomping ground. The Danish The centre forward played in 19 competitive matches for Union, scoring one goal.

Union's coaching team will have to do without Robert Skov and Andrik Markgraf on Saturday.

“Heidenheim are a team that is generally difficult to play against, and regardless of their previous results, we expect a well-prepared opponent," said Union head coach, Steffen Baumgart, ahead of Saturday's encounter. "As in every game, everything starts at 0-0 and our goal is the three points. We will succeed if we stay focused, bring our strengths to bear from the start, and remain fully concentrated for over 90 minutes. The fact that Heidenheim arrive as the bottom team in the table does not change that we must not act carelessly at any phase. We will try with full determination to keep the three points in Köpenick.” 

His opposite number, Frank Schmidt, said in his press conference: “We want to avoid falling into self-pity after setbacks, but rather take control of the situation, and even though it is currently not easy, show a certain level of self-confidence. Union are a stable team that we can only beat if we are take on our in duels, attack cleanly, and again show the quality at set pieces that we have lacked in recent weeks.”