German Bundesliga
2025-05-22 - Heidenheim vs SV Elversberg
A Sports Betting Pick by Niko
Football; Germany: Bundesliga Promotion/Relegation Playoff - 01st Leg
Voith Arena - Heidenheim
Thursday, 22nd May 2025 - kickoff 20:30 CET
Heidenheim
After a remarkable Bundesliga debut in 2023/24 that resulted in European qualification, Heidenheim have endured a more turbulent second season. Despite the added burden of midweek European fixtures and a memorable run that included clashes against Chelsea, Frank Schmidt’s side ultimately stumbled to 16th place in the league.
Departures of key players and a stretched squad left Heidenheim vulnerable in the latter stages of the season, but their fighting spirit remains alive.
Head coach Schmidt, now a record-holder for longevity in German professional football, is embracing the challenge, stating last week that they are not disappointed they are playing in the Bundesliga promotion/relegation playoffs. They have two games to remain in the Bundesliga, so they see this as an opportunity rather than a disappointment.
The atmosphere at Voith Arena should be electric, with the home fans fully behind the home team that, despite setbacks, continues to punch above its weight.
Heidenheim will likely lean on their Bundesliga experience, physicality, and stronger defensive line. We are likely to see a disciplined 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to exploit set-pieces and home advantage.
Speaking of home performances, Heidenheim lost in their final Bundesliga game, 1-4 to Werder Bremen, their third defeat in the last four home games.
SV Elversberg
SV Elversberg’s fairytale rise shows no signs of slowing. The Saarland-based outfit clinched third place in 2.Bundesliga with a dramatic final-day 1-2 away win against Schalke 04, capping off a stunning campaign that defied all expectations.
Prior to 2023, SV Elversberg had never competed above the third tier of German football, but now they stand 180 minutes away from a place in the top flight.
Coach Horst Steffen has instilled belief and fluid attacking football into his side, which ended the season with just one defeat in their final 15 matches. Their 64-goal haul ranks joint-second in the 2.Bundesliga, so they are a good offensive team.
With confidence sky-high and nothing to lose, SV Elversberg head into the playoff brimming with ambition, ready to test themselves against a Bundesliga opposition.
We should expect SV Elversberg to play in their usual attacking freedom and confidence, with three strikers in a 4-3-3 formation. Based on their displays in the 2.Bundesliga in recent months, they will try to press high and transition quickly, particularly down the flanks.
The Betting Verdict
The first leg at Voith Arena could prove decisive. Heidenheim will chase a cushion to take into the return leg, while SV Elversberg will look to grab an away goal that might swing the tie in their favour.
History favours the Bundesliga side in these two-legged playoffs. Since the introduction of the Bundesliga promotion/relegation playoff format in 2008/09, the Bundesliga side has won 13 of the 16 matchups. The last time a 2.Bundesliga team beat a Bundesliga side was in 2019, when Union Berlin defeated VfB Stuttgart on their way to promotion.
SV Elversberg has momentum and attacking skill on their side, and their brave approach in matches makes them dangerous. Heidenheim must shut them down early and take control otherwise it may become a nervy affair.
I expect this to be a close, competitive game, but Heidenheim’s top-flight experience and home backing could tilt the first leg in their favour. Take Heidenheim to win at good odds.
The Pick :
Heidenheim 2-1 SV Elversberg
