This Sunday, the struggling VfL Bochum side will host the mighty Bayern Munich at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion.
Bochum are currently languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, while Bayern sit comfortably at the top, making this an intriguing clash between the league’s basement dwellers and its dominant force.
Match Preview
Bochum have endured a torrid start to the season, failing to win any of their last eight competitive matches. They’ve lost seven and drawn one in that period, leaving them rooted to the foot of the table with just one point from seven games.
The dismissal of manager Peter Zeidler on Sunday has thrown their preparations for this clash into further disarray, with interim bosses Markus Feldhoff and Murat Ura now tasked with turning their fortunes around.
Key players like Manuel Riemann and Bernardo have also been sidelined, further hampering Bochum’s chances.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have been in imperious form domestically, winning three and drawing one of their last four away Bundesliga matches.
However, their recent 4-1 Champions League defeat to Barcelona has raised some questions about their defensive solidity, with manager Vincent Kompany acknowledging that his side were set up too offensively. Bayern will be eager to bounce back and maintain their position at the summit of the Bundesliga.
Bochum’s recent form has been dismal, with the club failing to win any of their last eight matches in all competitions. They’ve scored just eight goals in the Bundesliga this season, the second-lowest tally in the division.
In contrast, Bayern have been rampant in front of goal, netting 17 times in their last four away league matches.
Head-to-Head
Bayern have dominated the head-to-head record in recent years, winning 14 of the last 19 Bundesliga meetings between the two sides. Bochum have managed just one victory in that period, while the remaining four matches have ended in draws.
Team News
Bochum will be without the suspended Manuel Riemann, while Bernardo, Matus Bero, and Myron Boadu are all sidelined through injury.
Bayern, on the other hand, will be missing Aleksandar Pavlovic, Sacha Boey, Hiroki Ito, and Josip Stanisic due to various fitness issues.
Prediction
Given Bayern’s superior quality and Bochum’s current struggles, it’s difficult to see anything other than a comfortable victory for the league leaders.
Kompany’s side will be determined to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment, and they should have too much firepower for the hosts.
Score Prediction: VfL Bochum 0-5 Bayern Munich
Betting Tips
Match Result: Bayern Munich to win
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 goals - Bayern have been free-scoring on the road, while Bochum’s defensive frailties are well-documented.
Anytime Goalscorer: Harry Kane - The England striker is in excellent form and should find the net against the struggling Bochum defense.
Both Teams to Score: No - Bochum have struggled to find the net consistently, and Bayern’s defensive issues may be addressed in this match.
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