Heidenheim (dpa/lsw) - Coach Frank Schmidt from 1. FC Heidenheim expects that the top game in the 2nd Bundesliga against SV Darmstadt 98 will be won by the team with the better mentality. "The decisive factor will be who has the greater will to win the game right up to the end," said Schmidt one day before the duel against the leader on Saturday (8:30 p.m. / Sky and Sport1). The aim of the FCH is to consolidate third place in the table. "If we keep the points here, that would be super interesting for the league and the fight for promotion."
Before matchday 23, Heidenheim are six points behind Darmstadt, who have been unbeaten in 21 league games, and two points behind Hamburger SV in second place. While the guests from Hesse arrive with personnel worries, Schmidt can muster his best cast except for Adrian Beck. The midfielder is training again after problems with his Achilles tendon, but is not yet an option for Saturday. Jonas Föhrenbach should play on the left side of defense again after an illness.
Darmstadt's coach Torsten Lieberknecht is not surprised that Heidenheim is once again involved in the promotion race. "It's not unexpected for me to find you again in this area of the table. There's a squad on the road where everyone is there for everyone," said the 49-year-old.
