The Battle between VfL Bochum and Borussia Dortmund is set to unfold this Saturday at Vonovia Ruhrstadion, with both teams facing unique challenges. Niko Kovac's Dortmund will be looking to rebound after their recent 2-1 loss to Stuttgart, while struggling Bochum aims to close the gap between them and the safety of the relegation zone.
Bochum’s Struggles in Front of Goal
Currently sitting at the bottom of the Bundesliga table with just 11 points, Bochum has had a tough season. Their 2-2 draw against Holstein Kiel on February 8 might have been a positive result, but they continue to struggle offensively, with only 19 goals scored so far this season – the lowest in the league. Manager Dieter Hecking will be concerned about their lack of firepower, especially with injuries impacting their squad.
Despite failing to win in their last four matches, Bochum has managed to earn a couple of draws and will take heart from their home form. With two wins from their last four home matches, they'll hope to pull off a surprising result against a Dortmund side that has been shaky on the road.
Dortmund’s Push for European Glory
On the flip side, Borussia Dortmund enters this match with aspirations of qualifying for European football. Despite their disappointing league form, Dortmund has shown signs of attacking improvement, scoring 11 goals in their last five matches. However, defensive frailties remain a concern, especially after conceding twice against Stuttgart due to poor defending on crosses.
The Black and Yellows will aim to build on their 3-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and put together a strong run in the league, where they are still just seven points behind fourth-placed Leipzig, with a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season. Their recent inconsistency away from home, though, might leave them vulnerable in this fixture.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
VfL Bochum will be missing Maximilian Wittek due to suspension, with Myron Boadu and Felix Passlack sidelined through injury. They will likely set up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets, and Bernardo in defense, and Gerrit Holtmann and Samuel Bamba operating as wing-backs.
Borussia Dortmund will be without the suspended Julian Ryerson and injured Ramy Bensebaini. Niko Kovac might choose a 4-3-3 formation, with Yan Couto, Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Daniel Svensson in defense, while Emre Can could be pushed into midfield. Up front, Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens will support striker Serhou Guirassy.
VfL Bochum Possible Starting Lineup:
Drewes; Oermann, Ordets, Bernardo; Bamba, Bero, Sissoko, Krauss, Holtmann; Broschinski, Hofmann
Borussia Dortmund Possible Starting Lineup:
Kobel; Couto, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Svensson; Can, Gross; Adeyemi, Brandt, Bynoe-Gittens; Guirassy
Match Prediction: VfL Bochum 1-3 Borussia Dortmund
While Bochum has had their fair share of struggles, they will take encouragement from Dortmund’s poor away record. However, Dortmund's superior attacking options and their need for a win to keep their European hopes alive make them favorites for this encounter. A 3-1 victory for Borussia Dortmund is the likely outcome, but Bochum will aim to make it a tough match.
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