Preview: Heidenheim vs Wolfsburg - prediction, team news, lineups

Heidenheim begin their 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign on Saturday when they take on Wolfsburg at the Voith-Arena.

Wolfsburg finished 11th in the German top flight last season, a marginal improvement from their 2023-24 campaign, when they ranked 12th in the table with just 37 points.

Match preview

Heidenheim retained their spot in the Bundesliga after securing a dramatic victory over Elversberg in the relegation playoff.

Frank Schmidt's side came from 2-0 down to manage a 2-2 draw in the first leg at home, and in the return leg, Leonardo Weschenfelder-Scienza scored deep in the stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 win, and 4-3 on aggregate, as they salvaged their top-flight status.

During the summer transfer window, Heidenheim signed two players on loan; goalkeeper Diant Ramaj and Arijon Ibrahimovic joined from Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, respectively.

The story of Heidenheim is one of rags-to-riches, with Schmidt having had the biggest influence in the club's history. The local boy, who served the club as a player, has been at the Heidenheim hotseat for 19 years, and he is one of the longest-serving managers in German professional football.

Last season, they conceded 64 goals in the league; only three teams had poorer records than them. The new signings can give them a huge lift, and the signs are evident after they won 5-0 against Bahlinger SC in the DFB-Pokal last week, where both Ramaj and Ibrahimovic played a significant role.

Wolfsburg will start the new campaign under Paul Simonis, who was appointed in June on a two-year contract.

The Dutchman, who succeeded Ralph Hasenhuttl, arrived at the Volkswagen Arena with minimal experience, having managed just one season as a senior head coach.

The 40-year-old guided Go Ahead Eagles to their first major title in over 90 years when they won the Dutch Cup, and Die Wolfe will be hoping that he can do a similar magic in the Bundesliga as well.

The signs are already refreshing after they thrashed SV Hemelingen 9-0 in the DFB-Pokal last week, with six goals coming in the second half.

They bolstered their forward department by signing Mohamed Amoura from Union Saint-Gilloise, while Jesper Lindstrom, who failed to impress for Everton last season, will be looking to make an impact after joining from Napoli on loan.

Heidenheim form (all competitions):

Wolfsburg form (all competitions):

Team News

Heidenheim are missing centre-forward Marvin Pieringer through an ankle injury, and it is not clear when he can return to action. Georgia striker Budu Zivzivadze started in the previous game, and he is expected to lead the line on Saturday.

Thomas Keller also picked up an ankle injury last month, and he is out of action along with midfielder Adrian Beck and goalkeeper Frank Feller.

Ibrahimovic, who provided an assist on his debut, is set to retain his place, while Ramaj will look to establish himself as the club's first-choice keeper after he saved Holger Bux’s penalty kick.

Slovakian defender Denis Vavro sustained a muscular injury for Wolfsburg against Hemelingen and will undergo surgery. Moritz Jenz replaced him, and he is set to retain his place.

Andreas Skov Olsen also picked up an ankle injury in the same game, and he was taken off in the 59th minute. The visitors are also expected to be without Amoura, Kevin Paredes, and Rogerio, all of them picked up injuries earlier this month.

Lindstrom is a long-term absentee after undergoing groin surgery, but Simonis has enough depth to cope with his absence.

Heidenheim possible starting lineup:

Ramaj; Mainkra, Gimber, Siersleben; Schoppner, Dorsch, Ibrahimovic, Conteh; Honsak, Scienza, Zivzivadze

Wolfsburg possible starting lineup:

Grabara; Fischer, Jenz, Koulierakis, Maehle; Arnold, Souza; Wimmer, Cerny Majer; Pejcinovic