Borussia Dortmund will aim for their third consecutive victory since the winter break when they face VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Bochum has earned four points from two matches this month, distancing themselves from the relegation zone.
Match Preview
The winter break came at the perfect time for Dortmund, who had only won one of their eight league matches before Christmas.
However, they have returned with back-to-back wins and clean sheets, scoring a total of seven goals against SV Darmstadt 98 and FC Koln.
Dortmund comfortably defeated struggling Koln, with Donyell Malen opening the scoring after just 12 minutes.
Niclas Fullkrug doubled their lead with a penalty in the 58th minute, followed by goals from Malen and Youssoufa Moukoko.
It’s worth noting that Koln, despite losing, managed 19 shots and 13 corners, but Dortmund’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made five saves to deny them.
Dortmund’s recent victories are even more significant as their Champions League qualification rivals Stuttgart and RB Leipzig have both lost their January fixtures. A win for Dortmund would secure their place in the top four.
On the other hand, Bochum will travel to Dortmund as underdogs. However, they are on track to survive relegation for the third consecutive season. After winning promotion from the second tier in 2021, they finished 13th and 14th in the last two seasons.
Bochum secured a 1-0 victory over Stuttgart last weekend, with Matus Bero scoring the winning goal. Despite being dominated by Stuttgart, Bochum managed to claim victory with just one shot on target.
Bochum has been difficult to beat at home this season, having lost only once. They drew 1-1 against Dortmund in their home opener, which gives them confidence ahead of Sunday’s match.
However, Bochum’s away form has been poor, with only one win in their last 13 away matches. To maintain their lead over the relegation zone, they will need an improved performance on the road.
Team News
Dortmund will be without full-back Ramy Bensebaini and Sebastien Haller, who are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. Karem Adeyemi, Felix Nmecha, Julian Ryerson, and Emre Can are major injury doubts.
Mats Hummels missed the previous match due to illness, and Niklas Sule’s back injury could also keep him out. If both defenders are unavailable, 19-year-old Hendry Blank could start in defense.
Bochum will be without forward Takuma Asano, who is competing in the Asia Cup. Bernardo is suspended, so Maximilian Wittek is expected to replace him at left-back.
Possible starting lineups:
Borussia Dortmund: (4-2-3-1)
Kobel;
Meunier, Hummels, N. Schlotterbeck, Maatsen;
Sabitzer, Ozcan;
Malen, Brandt, Sancho;
Fullkrug
VfL Bochum: (4-3-3)
Riemann;
Oermann, Masovic, Loosli, Wittek;
Osterhage, Losilla, Stoger;
Bero, Paciencia, Antwi-Adjei
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-0 VfL Bochum
They have been in excellent form since the winter break, scoring seven goals without conceding. With the addition of new signings Maatsen and Sancho, Dortmund should secure a comfortable win.
Bochum has struggled in their away matches against strong opponents, making it difficult to see them getting a positive result.