Werder Bremen vs. FC Heidenheim 7/2/20 Bundesliga Relegation/Promotion Playoffs Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Werder Bremen is hosting FC Heidenheim at Weserstadion in the first leg of German Bundesliga Relegation/Promotion Playoffs.

Werder was extremely lucky in the last round of Bundesliga last weekend because they needed a win while Fortuna had to lose their game for Werder to even get here, and that is exactly what happened. Werder ended the season is 16th place with 31 points, which was the only relegation playoff spot. With 42 scored goals, Werder was solid in the attacking end, but their defense has been a disaster with massive 69 conceded goals, the most in Bundesliga. In their last Bundesliga game against Koln at home, Werder was brilliant with 52% of ball possession, 9 shots on goal, 7 corner kicks, and 84% of the correct passes. It’s not an exaggeration to say that this was the best game that Werder has played this season, and I’m sure they were wondering where that was before. Werder has scored 3 goals in each half and has won this game 6-1. Mohwald is the only injured player for Werder Bremen. This was the season to forget as soon as possible for Werder, but they have two important games ahead of them and now it’s the time for Werder to stay on course and to play the best they can if they want to stay in Bundesliga.

Heidenheim was one of the best teams in Bundesliga 2 this season and they ended in 3rd place with 55 points, just 3 points away from the second place where they would avoid these playoffs. Same as Werder, Heidenheim was lucky in the last round of Bundesliga 2. Heidenheim was feeling a lot of pressure from HSV in 4th place and the difference was only 1 point which meant that Heidenheim wasn’t allowed to lose this game, but they did, 3-0. The good news was that HSV also lost their game and will spend another season in Bundesliga 2. Heidenheim was playing against Armenia on the road last weekend and has had only 39% of ball possession, 4 corner kicks, 1 shot on goal, and 86% of the correct passes. Heidenheim has scored 45 goals this season, but what kept them this high in the standings was their defense where they conceded only 36 goals. Thiel and Feick are both injured for Heidenheim and they will not be in the lineup for this important game. I’m sure that Heidenheim was trying to avoid these playoffs, but even this is a big success for them, and I think they have enough quality to beat Werder and get to Bundesliga.

Werder and Heidenheim have played only 2 times against each other in the past with each team winning at home. Heidenheim hasn’t won any of their last 6 away games. In many ways, Heidenheim has had a much better season than Werder, but Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are two completely different worlds. I think Werder is filled with confidence after their last win, and I think they will get a win here.