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VfL Bochum vs. Borussia Dortmund
The 15th matchday in the Bundesliga awaits us next weekend and the Ruhr derby celebrates its comeback after 11 years. VfL Bochum welcomes Borussia Dortmund and there is a lot of tradition in this duel. After spending 10 years in the second division, Bochum were promoted to Germany’s top division in the summer and so this rivalry is back. Above all, the promoted team has been convincing so far this season and has consolidated itself surprisingly well. With the victory over Augsburg last weekend, they took a big step out of the bottom of the table and have won five of their last seven Bundesliga games.
Dortmund, on the other hand, are probably still seething after the controversial game against Bayern and the subsequent 3-2 defeat. As a result, they have suffered a major setback in the title fight and cannot afford to make any more mistakes if they still want to have serious chances of winning the title. Find out who we think will come out on top on Saturday in this Bochum – Dortmund tip.
Bochum – Dortmund info
– Date & Time: 11.12.2021, 15:30 Uhr
– Venue: Vonovia-Ruhrstadion (Bochum)
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 15
– TV broadcast: Live on Sky Sport
Bochum Form & Balance Check
One of the many surprise teams in the league is undoubtedly VfL Bochum. After a difficult start into the season and only 4 points from 7 games, VfL really picked up and got 15 points from the last 7 games. This has given them a really good cushion at the bottom and they can probably go into the winter break relaxed. With three games remaining and 19 points at the moment, the starting position of the promoted team is probably even better than those responsible could have imagined before the season.
Can Bochum stay in the Bundesliga in the long term?
In Bochum, the current form will be taken with a grain of salt. Because this scenario, where promoted teams present themselves strongly in the first season and then slip again in the following season, happens almost every year. This season it seems to be the same for Arminia Bielefeld, or Fortuna Düsseldorf two years ago, to name just a few examples. The squad is, of course, nowhere near as strong compared to the other teams, yet they are doing an excellent job so far. VfL would be well advised to focus on the here and now and manage to stay in the class this season.
Bochum facts & stats
– They have only lost once in their own stadium this season.
– They have conceded just one goal in their last 3 home games
– They currently occupy 10th place in the table
Dortmund form & balance check
Dortmund have been stuck in a rut for years and have actually been lagging behind their own standards since Jürgen Klopp stepped down. Every year, problems arise that seemed to have been overcome long ago. This season, for example, the defence is incredibly fragile and BVB has only managed to play to nil once. The game against Bayern last weekend had a bitter outcome and after a strong performance they still had to leave the field as losers. The Champions League is also over after the group stage and in what was, with all due respect, a very easy group, BVB did not manage to finish at least second. Now the Europa League awaits the black-and-yellows from February onwards.
Can BVB still be in the title fight?
For the next few weeks, the entire focus is on the Bundesliga and there the team is currently in 2nd place with 30 points and 4 points behind the record champion. So far this year, too, the Borussians have only been left in the chasing role. Of course, the long absence of Erling Haaland was very painful, which caused them to lose a few games unnecessarily, and the absence of the Norwegian became particularly clear in the top flight. It would be important if Haaland stays fit until the end of the season, so that the chances of winning the title remain as long as possible.
Dortmund facts & analysis
– BVB have conceded a goal in 13 of 14 games this season.
– BVB scores an average of 2.5 goals per game
– Top scorer is Erling Haaland with 11 goals
Predicted line-up – last update on 9 December 2021
For Bochum, Leitsch is likely to play from the start again for the first time and Riemann also returns to goal after his injury. Löwen, who has been strong lately, is out for the entire first half, but Pantovic could start in his place. Dortmund will probably also start in a 4-3-3, with Emre Can and Thorgan Hazard again options. Erling Haaland will also start again after his break against Besiktas during the week. Malen will make way for this.
Bochum – Dortmund direct comparison & statistics
60 times Bochum and Dortmund have met in the Bundesliga, in 24 encounters the Borussians have come away victorious, while Bochum have achieved this feat “only” 16 times. The other 20 games ended in a draw and the last victory for Bochum was almost 14 years ago.
– Of the last 10 direct duels, Bochum could only win one.
– Did you know that VfL Bochum score 40% of their goals between the 76-90 minute? That is the highest value in the league
– VfL Bochum have not lost any of their last 6 home matches
