No question - TSG Hoffenheim is playing a strong season. The latest two games have not changed that, as the team of coach Christian Ilzer only got one point (2:2 in Cologne, 0:1 against St. Pauli). After 24 matchdays, Hoffenheim is still third in the table and travels as clear favorite to Heidenheim (Saturday, 15:30, live in SWR1 Stadium). The Heidenheim team of coach Frank Schmidt are last in the table and have little hope of avoiding relegation after their latest 0:2 defeat against Werder Bremen. The road seems clear for an easy away win for TSG - or does it? On the one hand, 1. FC Heidenheim is known for never giving up and fighting for a chance to stay in the league until the end. Regardless of how unlikely this seems with only three season wins and eight points behind the relegation spot 16. On the other hand, games against a team in last place are not a given for Hoffenheim. The TSG has lost points in more than half of their away games against teams in last place: seven wins, three draws, and five defeats. In the previous season, Hoffenheim and Heidenheim met on matchday 25. Heidenheim was also in last place then - and even won against TSG, 1:1. Christian Ilzer and his team are therefore warned in the fight for a place in the European Cup. Whether Christian Ilzer can coach his team from the sidelines on Saturday is currently still open. The Austrian is ill (infection) and therefore could not attend the press conference before the duel with 1. FC Heidenheim. On the PK, he was represented by sports manager Andreas Schicker. "Whether Chris can be there, is still open. That will be decided in the course of the day or on Saturday morning", Schicker said.