Heidenheim – Chelsea

The German club will be closer to victory when they meet the Conference League favourite

The main game of the fourth matchday of the Conference League's fourth round will certainly take place in Germany. Local Heidenheim made their first ever visit to the Bundesliga last season and, instead of the predicted relegation, secured a final place that allows them to play in the Conference League. In the course of the season, Heidenheim beat Bayern and achieved many more important historic moments. Frank Schmidt's team made it to the overall stage of the European Cup tournament after a duel with Sweden's Hecken, whom the Germans defeated in both games. For Chelsea, the Conference League is not a tournament that will be on the front pages of the Blues' history, even if they win it. A few years ago, the London club won the Champions League, but after that they went through a serious crisis and are now on the road to revival. Bookmakers have identified the visitors as favourites for the upcoming meeting, offering odds of 1.43 on their victory. For Heidenheim, the upcoming match is very expected and important. The modest club played in the Second Bundesliga in the first half of 2023 against Greuther Fürth and Karlsruhe, and now has the opportunity to test their strength against one of the richest clubs in the world. Heidenheim's fortunes in the German league have not been the best so far. On Saturday, the team suffered their third straight defeat, failing to do anything against reigning champions Bayer. However, Heidenheim look convincing in the Conference League, which is reflected in three wins. Olimpija Ljubljana, Paphos and Hearts can't be compared to their upcoming opponents, but Schmidt's charges have gained some experience from the defeated opponents. Two full days after the match in Germany, Chelsea will have to face Aston Villa, who will play their European Cup match at home, one day earlier than the Blues. The London club has not been shy of playing with a second team in the Conference League before, which was enough to achieve winning results against Gent, Panathinaikos and Noah. Given the presence of seven players in Chelsea's infirmary, not the best players of the English squad will come to the Voigt Arena. We bet that Heidenheim will be closer to a sensational victory.