VfL Bochum and Mainz 05 are set to clash in a crucial Bundesliga match as both teams strive to escape the automatic relegation spots.
Match Preview
Currently without a victory this season, these two teams find themselves at the bottom of the league table after FC Koln ended their own winless streak in the previous weekend.
Bochum, aiming to climb out of the relegation playoff position, will be seeking a win at Vonovia-Ruhrstadion on Friday.
Under the guidance of manager Thomas Letsch, Bochum had an impressive run last season, going from the foot of the table to securing a safe position just above the relegation zone.
However, they have matched their unwanted record from last season by starting this campaign with eight winless games, including a 2-1 defeat to Freiburg in their last outing.
On the other hand, Mainz finds themselves unexpectedly rooted to the bottom of the table with only two points from eight games.
Since coach Bo Svensson took charge in January 2021, Mainz has performed well, avoiding relegation danger and achieving top-half finishes in the previous two seasons.
Despite a recent defeat against Bayern Munich, Mainz showed resilience and fought hard to avoid a heavy loss.
With upcoming fixtures against Bochum, SV Darmstadt 98, Koln, and Heidenheim, Mainz remains hopeful of turning their results around and preserving their 15-year stay in the Bundesliga.
Team News:
Bochum might be without their recent goalscorer, Goncalo Paciencia, due to a leg injury.
Patrick Osterhage, Matus Bero, Michael Esser, and Luis Hartwig are also potential absentees, while Kevin Stoger is doubtful due to illness.
Mainz will be missing Philipp Mwene, Nelson Weiper, Andreas Hanche-Olsen, and Jonathan Burkardt due to injuries.
Possible Starting Lineups:
VfL Bochum:
Riemann;
Ordets, Schlotterbeck, Soares;
Gamboa, Losilla, Forster, Bernardo;
Asano, Antwi-Adjei;
Hofmann
Mainz 05:
Zentner;
Fernandes, Bell, Van Den Berg;
Da Costa, Barreiro, Kohr, Caci;
Onisiwo, Lee;
Ajorque
Prediction:
In what promises to be a tense encounter, both VfL Bochum and Mainz 05 will be desperate for a positive result.
Given their winless start to the season, it is likely to be a nervy affair with a lack of quality on display. A low-scoring draw seems probable.
