RB Leipzig vs Heidenheim

1. Core Players & Star Quality

RB Leipzig 

• Openda (9G, 5A, 2,465 mins) is the spearhead but needs better support. 

• Xavi Simons (10G, 7A, 2,157 mins) provides creativity and versatility across the attack. 

• Sesko (13G, 5A, 2,399 mins) has left, removing a major goal outlet. 

• Orbán (5G, 2,224 mins) still the defensive anchor alongside Gulácsi (GK, 2,633 mins). 

• Depth from Bakayoko (9G, 1A, 1,580 mins) and Raum (1G, 5A) gives strong wide threat. 

Heidenheim 

• Mainka (3,060 mins) is the defensive leader, consistently playing every game. 

• Midfield driven by Schöppner (4G, 3A, 2,690 mins) and Gimber (2,680 mins). 

• Pieringer (7G, 3A, 2,224 mins) was the main attacking threat but is currently injured (ankle, Sep 2025). 

• Rotation of Beck (4G, 1A) and Wanner (3G, 2A, left) leaves reduced creativity. 

2. Departures Impact

RB Leipzig 

• Loss of Sesko (13G, 5A) and Vermeeren (midfield depth) creates attacking imbalance. 

• Poulsen also gone, thinning forward rotations. 

• Despite this, strong signings like Bakayoko, Nusa, Lukeba, Geertruida soften the blow. 

Heidenheim 

• Paul Wanner (3G, 2A) and Krätzig (1G, 2A) departures reduce creative midfield supply. 

• Attack weakened by lack of proven replacements for Wanner/Pieringer. 

• Leaves the team overly reliant on Schöppner and Beck. 

3. New Player Integration

RB Leipzig 

• Bakayoko (9G, 1A) has settled well, effective on the right. 

• Nusa (3G, 3A) growing into an impact winger, adds unpredictability. 

• Geertruida, Lukeba, Baku strengthening defensive depth. 

• Overall, integration looks strong, though Sesko’s replacement at CF is still uncertain. 

Heidenheim 

• Matsima (CB, 2,551 mins) a solid addition, stabilizing defense. 

• Massengo, Honsak (5G, 1A) provide energy in midfield and attack. 

• Saad (3G, 2A) and Scienza (3G, 3A) give some depth, but not yet consistent starters. 

• Reinforcements help, but don’t replace Pieringer’s goal-scoring. 

4. Assists & Goals Output

RB Leipzig 

• Xavi (10+7), Openda (9+5), Bakayoko (9+1) provide triple-pronged threat. 

• Supporting cast: Raum (1G, 5A), Orbán (5G), midfielders chipping in. 

• Loss of Sesko’s 13 goals means more reliance on Openda + Xavi. 

Heidenheim 

• Pieringer (7+3) out injured → huge void in attack. 

• Secondary scoring from Beck (4+1), Honsak (5+1), Saad (3+2), Scienza (3+3). 

• Overall output spread is modest; no consistent double-digit scorer. 

5. Substitutes’ Experience & Depth

RB Leipzig 

• Bench includes Nusa, Baku, Henrichs (injured), Poulsen (gone), Werner (0G, 3A). 

• Bitshiabu (1,129 mins) offers youth in defense, plus Vandevoordt (GK) for rotation. 

• Considerably deeper and higher quality than Heidenheim. 

Heidenheim 

• Subs: Conteh (1G, 1A, 878 mins), Kerber (2G), Maloney (765 mins). 

• Zivzivadze (2G, 2A) decent option but not elite. 

• Bench depth lacks proven Bundesliga-level impact. 

6. Forecast & Expected Dynamics

1. Leipzig Advantage: Superior attacking talent (Xavi, Openda, Bakayoko), wider spread of goals and assists, stronger subs. 

1. Heidenheim Challenge: Without Pieringer and Wanner, attack looks blunt; reliant on midfield runners like Schöppner and Honsak. 

1. Likely Flow: Leipzig to dominate possession and wing play, Heidenheim sitting deep, aiming for set-pieces and quick counters. 

7. Predicted Strength Balance

• RB Leipzig: ★★★★☆ (Strong) - good balance despite Sesko’s departure, wide creativity remains key. 

• Heidenheim: ★★☆☆☆ (Limited) - organized defensively but weakened in attack with Pieringer injured. 

Projected Result: RB Leipzig win, likely 2–0 or 3–1, with Xavi + Openda driving the attack.