Copenhagen host Heidenheim on Thursday evening in the first leg of their playoff to reach the knockout round in this year's Conference League.
Just two points and two places separated the sides in the standings when league phase action concluded, as the Bundesliga side grabbed 16th place in the standings, to secure the final seeded spot in the draw for the playoffs.
Match preview
© Imago
The hosts come into this game having not played a competitive fixture since their last Conference League clash back in December, which ended in a 3-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna.
That loss to the Austrian side proved costly, as Copenhagen missed out on a seeded spot in the draw for this stage of the competition.
Prior to losing that game, the hosts had been in fine form, as they were on a 14-match unbeaten streak in all competitions - but having only played friendly matches in recent months due to the winter break, they may have some rust to shake off.
The defeat against Rapid Vienna in December was only the second loss of the league phase for the Danish club, who also secured two wins and two draws from their six matches.
Their domestic form has been far more convincing, however, as they are currently top of the Danish Superliga table, having only lost twice in the league all season.
Although they come into this match as the unseeded side, the hosts have had a much more enjoyable campaign than their visitors to date, and the form book certainly favours Copenhagen ahead of this clash.
© Imago
Heidenheim's climb for the regional leagues of Germany up to the top flight was a feel-good story in its own right, but in their first year in the Bundesliga, they exceeded all expectations and finished eighth in the league – good enough to qualify for the Conference League.
For all the highs of last season, this year has certainly been a struggle, with the added responsibilities of playing in Europe.
Frank Schmidt's side have won just once in their last 15 matches in all competitions, as they sit 16th in the Bundesliga, with only four league wins all season.
Three of those four wins came in their opening five league matches, demonstrating just how difficult the last few months have been for the visitors.
Their Conference League campaign has followed a similar pattern to their domestic form, as they started the league phase with three wins in a row before two defeats and a draw meant that they failed to qualify automatically for the knockout stages.
Heidenheim have the fourth-worst away record in the Bundesliga, having won just seven points on their travels throughout the campaign, the same amount of points as they have managed at home in the division - giving them the worst home record in the Bundesliga.
In Europe, they have performed better on their travels, gaining six points away from home during the league phase, compared to four points from their home games.
Therefore they will hope to build on their impressive away record in the competition this season and grab the advantage in the tie ahead of next week's second leg in Germany.
Heidenheim have conceded the first goal in each of their last six away matches, so they will be looking to get off to a better start in the Danish capital on Thursday evening.
The visitors have struggled defensively all season and have conceded 43 goals in 21 Bundesliga matches this season, the fourth-worst defensive record in the division.
Unfortunately for Schmidt's side, their record in front of goal has not been much better, as their attack has scored just 25 times, making them the fifth-worst attacking side in the Bundesliga too.
However, they have been better in front of goal on the European stage, as they have netted in all but one of their Conference League encounters this season, including in the qualifiers.
FCH will look to their European campaign as an opportunity to build some momentum, as they juggle the highs of competing in Europe with the reality of a relegation battle back home.
- W
- W
- W
- W
- W
- L
Team News
© Imago
Young goalkeeper Oscar Buur is ruled out of this clash due to a broken finger, while Rasmus Falk Jensen (knee) and Elias Achouri are doubts due to injury.
Other doubts for the hosts include both Roony Bardghji and Nicolai Boilesen, with both recovering from knee injuries, while Dutch defender Kevin Diks is suspended due to his accumulation of bookings during the league phase.
The hosts could hand a debut to Diant Ramaj in goal, following his arrival on loan from Borussia Dortmund during the winter transfer window.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Niklas Dorsch, who is recovering from a knee injury and not due back until at least next month.
Elsewhere, Paul Tschernuth, Frans Kratzig and Stefan Schimmer are all ineligible for this fixture due to not being named in Heidenheim's squad for the Conference League.
Copenhagen possible starting lineup:
Ramaj; Meling, Pereira, Hatzidiakos, Huescas; Delaney, Clem, Robert, Claesson; Chiakha, Elyounoussi
Heidenheim possible starting lineup:
Muller; Theuerkauf, Gimber, Mainka, Traore; Scienza, Wanner, Kerber, Schoppner, Conteh; Breunig
We say: Copenhagen 2-0 Heidenheim
Heidenheim are capable of getting a positive result, as they have proven over the past couple of years in both the Bundesliga and Europe.
However, this season has not gone to plan for them, and we expect their misery to continue in Denmark on Thursday night, with Copenhagen setting themselves up nicely for the return leg with a 2-0 win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Tom Humphrey
