Union Berlin vs 1. FC Heidenheim Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. Union Berlin are sitting pretty in mid-table with 15 points, while Heidenheim are propping up the entire Bundesliga with a measly 5 points. It's chalk and cheese stuff, really.

Union have been grinding out results lately - only one defeat in their last five games, and that was a narrow 1-0 loss to Werder Bremen. They've shown they can mix it with the big boys too, grabbing a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at home. At their own patch, they've been drawing more than they'd like (four draws in six home games), but they're tough to break down.

Heidenheim, though? They're in absolute freefall. One win in ten games tells its own story, and they've been shipping goals for fun. That 6-0 thumping by Leverkusen was embarrassing stuff, and they followed it up with a 3-0 home defeat to Gladbach. Away from home, it's even worse - 100% loss rate in their last four travels, scoring just half a goal per game while letting in three. They haven't kept a clean sheet in ten matches. Ten!

The head-to-head shows Heidenheim have historically had Union's number, but form overrules history every time. Union are averaging 1.3 goals per game, while Heidenheim are barely managing 0.7. More importantly, Union are conceding 1.4 per game, but Heidenheim are leaking 2.2.

Union's home form might not be spectacular, but against a side that's getting battered every week, they should have more than enough to get the job done. Heidenheim look completely shot of confidence and are shipping goals like there's no tomorrow.

Key Points:

• Union Berlin sit 8th with 15 points, Heidenheim are bottom with just 5 points

• Heidenheim have lost their last 3 games, including a 6-0 hammering by Leverkusen

• Heidenheim have 100% loss rate in last 4 away games, scoring 0.5 and conceding 3.0 goals per game

• Union have only lost 1 of their last 5 matches

• Heidenheim haven't kept a clean sheet in 10 games

• Union drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in their last home game

The bottom line is this: Union are solid at home and hard to beat, while Heidenheim are in absolute disarray and can't stop conceding goals. The home side should have too much quality for a team that looks destined for the drop.