Three games, three wins – VfB’s tally in the latter half of the season has been flawless thus far. The three wins were only possible due to the determination and commitment of Hannes Wolf’s men in every single match. And on Friday evening (kick-off 18:30 CET), VfB will need to display those exact components again against 1. FC Heidenheim. "We will have to take it to the limit," noted Hannes Wolf on Friday, continuing: "We must remain vigilant at all times. We will be entering an atmosphere which will require the maximum of effort and commitment if we are to achieve something. If we don’t do that, we will have a horrible evening – and I don’t want to experience that."
Foot injury for Kevin Großkreutz
It was just such a horrible evening which the VfB players experienced when the sides met earlier in the season at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, with FCH eventually stealing away all three points. The outcome of that game, along with the overall Heidenheim tally so far this season, should be warning enough for the VfB players. "The teams hunger to achieve their goals is tangible and significant," stated Hannes Wolf with a view to his side’s work-ethic in training. One possible absentee this Friday evening could be Kevin Großkreutz. The winger took a blow to the foot from an opponent during the clash with SV Sandhausen and is still feeling the effects of the injury. "We’ll have to see how he comes through training. We’ll only take him with us if he can help us to 100%," said the VfB coach. Matthias Zimmermann, on the other hand, is back in full team training and is an option for the 18-man squad. There was further positive news on Benjamin Pavard’s healing process. A decision will be made on the Frenchman following the following pre-match training session.
As to which eleven takes to the pitch from the outset this Friday evening remains to be seen and will be based purely on form. And should those involved again rise to the occasion, the VfB record since the re-start could remain flawless.