Bochum vs. Wolfsburg preview: Can the hosts upset the European hopefuls?
Relegation-threatened Bochum will look to boost their survival chances with a victory when they face a Wolfsburg side that are targeting European qualification.
Bochum
Bochum may be winless in three matches, but a 1-1 draw with Union Berlin last weekend ensured they have lost just one of their last five games. Union took the lead through Josip Juranović, but Bochum managed to restore parity in the 55th minute thanks to Kevin Stöger’s spot-kick. Thomas Letsch’s side played the final 29 minutes with a one-man advantage following Paul Jaeckel’s sending-off, but they were unable to take full advantage, as the contest finished all square.
With six games to play, Die Unabsteigbaren are two points clear of the bottom three. Bochum will be looking to move away from the danger zone with a victory on Saturday, but their recent home form suggests that may be easier said than done. Their last five matches at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion have produced just one win and four defeats.
Having lost all six of their home league games this season when they have conceded first, Bochum will be determined to make a positive start on Saturday.
Team News
The hosts are expected to be without the services of Keven Schlotterbeck, who was forced off in the first half against Union with an injury issue. After serving a one-match suspension, Anthony Losilla will return to the matchday squad.
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg have only lost one of their last seven games, but two points from their previous three matches has dented their European hopes. After drawing 2-2 against Augsburg and losing 2-0 to Borussia Mönchengladbach, Niko Kovac’s side were hoping to return to winning ways in their home meeting with Bayer Leverkusen last weekend. As it proved, Wolfsburg had to be content with a goalless draw, which leaves them in ninth position.
If Die Wölfe are to close the four-point gap to the top six then they will need to pick up a number of wins in their final six league games.
Wolfsburg have fared well in recent games against Bochum, having lost just one of their last seven Bundesliga games against Saturday’s opponents. They also have the chance to complete a league double after thrashing Bochum 4-0 in October.
Team News
The visitors are unable to call upon the injured quartet of Kevin Paredes, Paulo Otavio, Lukas Nmecha and Bartol Franjic.
