1. Main Players Comparison
Heidenheim
Core: Mainka (34 apps, 1A), Müller (GK, 33 apps), Gimber & Schöppner (4G, 3A combined), Traoré (1G).
Attack: Pieringer (7G, 3A), Wanner (3G, 2A – but has left), Beck (4G, 1A).
Output: ~20 goals, ~11 assists from main offensive players.
Stability: Strong defensive core but modest scoring punch, heavily reliant on Pieringer.
Wolfsburg
Core: Grabara (GK, 29 apps), Koulierakis & Vavro (defensive pair – Vavro left), Arnold (3G, 5A).
Attack: Amoura (10G, 9A), Wind (9G, 3A), Tomás (6G – left), Wimmer (3G, 4A).
Output: ~28 goals, ~21 assists among front line.
Stability: Balanced attack, but departures (Tomás, Vavro) weaken squad depth.
Verdict: Wolfsburg has the stronger attacking unit and more creative midfield support, while Heidenheim is defensively steady but limited in scoring depth.
2. New Players Comparison
Heidenheim
Additions: Matsima (1G, 1A), Zesiger (2A), Saad (3G, 2A in 903 mins), Honsak (5G, 1A).
Output: ~9 goals, ~6 assists.
Impact: Honsak and Saad are valuable attacking reinforcements.
Wolfsburg
Additions: Lindstrøm (1A), Pejcinovic, Jenz (18 apps), Skov Olsen (1G, 1A).
Output: ~2 goals, ~3 assists.
Impact: Mostly defensive reinforcements, with limited attacking productivity.
Verdict: Heidenheim’s new recruits delivered more attacking returns; Wolfsburg’s focus has been defensive but with weaker output.
3. Substitutes Comparison
Heidenheim
Impact Players: Honsak (5G, 1A), Scienza (3G, 3A), Conteh (1G, 1A), Zivzivadze (2G, 2A).
Totals: ~11 goals, ~7 assists.
Depth: Productive bench with multiple attacking options.
Wolfsburg
Impact Players: Baku (2G, 1A), Svanberg (3G, 1A), Kaminski (2A – now left), Nmecha (3G).
Totals: ~8 goals, ~5 assists.
Depth: Solid but weakened by exits (Nmecha, Zesiger, Kaminski).
Verdict: Heidenheim’s substitutes contributed more goals and assists than Wolfsburg’s.
4. Consolidated Quality Scorecard
Category | Heidenheim | Wolfsburg |
Main Players | ⭐⭐⭐ (20G, 11A, stable defense) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (28G, 21A, stronger attack) |
New Players | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9G, 6A, strong additions) | ⭐⭐ (2G, 3A, defensive signings) |
Substitutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (11G, 7A, productive bench) | ⭐⭐⭐ (8G, 5A, weaker with exits) |
Overall Depth | Balanced with strong bench impact | Attack-heavy but weakened depth |
Key Weakness | Reliance on Pieringer & Honsak | Loss of Tomás, Vavro, Kaminski |
5. Predicted Outcome
Momentum & Depth: Wolfsburg stronger on starting XI quality, but Heidenheim has the better bench.
Attacking Balance: Wolfsburg spreads goals across Amoura, Wind, Wimmer. Heidenheim relies on Pieringer + Honsak/Saad.
Defensive Solidity: Heidenheim’s backline is consistent, Wolfsburg lost Vavro which leaves them thinner.
Likely Result: Balanced clash, Wolfsburg edge with higher front-line quality, but Heidenheim’s depth may tilt late-game scenarios.
Expected Scoreline:
- Heidenheim 1 – 2 Wolfsburg (if Wolfsburg’s starters dominate)
