Niko Kovac insisted that his Borussia Dortmund cannot underestimate Heidenheim in their next Bundesliga fixture, claiming these are dangerous games.

Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Union Berlin last weekend saw them cut the gap to Bayern Munich, who lost 2-1 to Augsburg, at the Bundesliga summit to eight points.

They now host lowly Heidenheim, who will be without key defender Benedikt Gimber due to suspension, as Dortmund look to gain further ground on their rivals.

However, after Augsburg took points off Bayern and St. Pauli held RB Leipzig to a draw, Kovac knows his side must not lose focus against Heidenheim.

"Everything always looks easy on paper, but it takes a lot of energy and strength to put it into practice – we have to show that on Sunday," warned Kovac.

"These are dangerous games.

"Every single team in the Bundesliga is difficult to play against – we have to approach this game with seriousness.

"Only when you invest 100% in your commitment, physicality and intensity will your quality come to the fore."

Dortmund are enjoying their best Bundesliga season at this stage in seven years, having picked up 42 points (48 in 2018-19 under Lucien Favre).

The only other times they have suffered just one defeat after 19 Bundesliga matches were in 1994-95 and 2018-19.

Just in time.  pic.twitter.com/kTltEPdb55

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 30, 2026

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Borussia Dortmund – Julian Ryerson

Ryerson has registered three assists in four Bundesliga games in 2026, a tally bettered only by Bayern's Michael Olise (six) this year.

With six assists in 18 matches, the Norwegian is Dortmund's top assister in the league this season – more than he managed in his first 146 Bundesliga games combined (five).

Heidenheim – Stefan Schimmer

Schimmer is Heidenheim’s top scorer in the league this season, finding the back of the net five times so far.

However, the 31-year-old has only appeared off the bench in their four Bundesliga games in 2026.

MATCH PREDICTION: BORUSSIA DORTMUND WIN

And Kovac’s side are unbeaten in their last 12 Bundesliga matches (W8 D4) – a league-best record that is only surpassed in Europe's top five leagues by AC Milan (21).

Heidenheim, meanwhile, are winless in their past six Bundesliga games (D2 L4) – only Werder Bremen (nine) currently have a longer run without a win in the league.

The Bundesliga's bottom club have failed to win any of their previous five meetings with Dortmund (all in the Bundesliga, D2 L3) and have lost the last three encounters.

Dortmund are the only team yet to suffer a home defeat in the Bundesliga this season (W7 D2).

Their average of 2.56 points at home is the best of all clubs in the German top flight this term.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Borussia Dortmund – 72%

Draw – 16.2%

Heidenheim – 11.8%