VfL Bochum – TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Our Bochum – Hoffenheim betting tip is: Bochum win – 2.35 odds
- Bochum has not been beaten in three games
- In their last home game, VfL won 2-0 against BVB
- Bochum has only lost one of its last five home games
VfL Bochum, who are threatened by relegation, will host TSG Hoffenheim at the Vonovia Ruhr Stadium on Saturday – a real basement battle in which both teams will be fighting for important points in the relegation battle. Bochum are showing signs of improvement after a draw against Wolfsburg and a derby victory against Dortmund, even though they are still in penultimate place in the table with 15 points. What is interesting here is that the gap to 1. FC Heidenheim, which has the same number of points, is minimal, and a win could catapult VfL out of the relegation zone.
Hoffenheim, under Christian Ilzer, come to the Ruhr area after a lucky 1-1 draw against Stuttgart, where substitute keeper Luca Philipp put in a strong performance. TSG are in 14th place with 22 points, but are only one point ahead of FC St. Pauli. You might think that the Kraichgauer are not exactly bursting with self-confidence after five games without a win – especially since the defense continues to falter, conceding an average of two goals per game. Find out which team will come out on top in this important clash with our Bochum v Hoffenheim prediction.
Bochum v Hoffenheim info
- Venue: Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Bochum
- Date and time: 01/03/2025, 3:30 pm
- Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 24
- TV broadcast: Sky
Bochum form & record check
VfL Bochum are going through an interesting phase in the relegation battle. After the recent 1-1 draw in Wolfsburg and the remarkable 2-0 home win against Borussia Dortmund, Dieter Hecking’s team collected important points in the fight for survival. The win against Dortmund in particular was a real highlight – the team put in a tactically clever performance against their big neighbor.
However, the mini-series does not hide the precarious situation: with only 15 points, Bochum still occupies the penultimate place in the table, tied on points with Heidenheim. The defensive problems have been a recurring theme throughout the season – in 80% of the last five games, the team has conceded at least one goal. These weaknesses have been particularly evident in away games, as the 3-0 defeat in Mönchengladbach clearly showed.
Two faces
It is interesting to note that the team shows weaknesses in the second half in particular – not a single win after the break in the last five games speaks for itself. The loss of winger Gerrit Holtmann, who probably tore a muscle against Wolfsburg, could further reduce their offensive power. A real key game is coming up against Hoffenheim on the next match day.
Bochum facts & analysis
- 17th place in the table
- Unbeaten in three games
- Last game 1:1 against Wolfsburg
Bochum are expected to field their usual 3-5-2 formation, which has proven itself in recent weeks. After the positive series, including the derby victory against Dortmund, coach Hecking is likely to see little reason for major changes.
The loss of Holtmann due to a suspected torn muscle could be compensated for by Masouras, who, together with Hofmann, is supposed to liven up the offense. Losilla, Krauß and de Wit will likely form the central axis in midfield, while Sissoko and Oermann are likely to occupy the flanks.
The tried and tested back three of Mašović, Ordets and Bernardo seems set, with Horn likely to keep goal behind them. However, this lineup has not yet been finally confirmed – minor changes are quite possible.
Hoffenheim Form & Record Check
TSG Hoffenheim is currently going through a phase of inconsistency. After the recent 1-1 draw against Stuttgart, in which substitute keeper Luca Philipp made a number of strong saves, the team is in 14th place in the table – and not without reason. In particular, the defensive performance is a cause for concern, as the statistics from the last few games clearly show: in the past five games, the Kraichgau team has conceded goals without exception.
The away win in Bremen (3:1) was a bright spot, but the clear 0:4 home defeat against Union Berlin and the 1:3 at league leaders Leverkusen revealed the defensive weaknesses. Coach Christian Ilzer is trying to use some unusual methods to mentally lift his team – so far with mixed success. At least the offense is usually in good working order, with Hoffenheim scoring in 80% of their last games.
Dangerously weak
With 22 points, TSG is still in danger of relegation, with only a small lead over their direct competitors. FC St. Pauli are just one point behind, while Union Berlin have two points more on the account. Interesting: In the coming weeks, the return of first-choice goalkeeper Oliver Baumann could give the defense more stability again – but at the moment Philipp is doing a more than decent job of deputizing for him.
Hoffenheim facts & analysis
- 14th place in the table
- One win in the last five games
- Last game 1:1 against Stuttgart
Hoffenheim are likely to line up in their usual 5-3-2 system again this time. What is particularly interesting is that Philipp will continue to keep goal, as regular keeper Baumann is still injured.
The young keeper impressed with some strong saves in the last game against Stuttgart. In the back five, Akpoguma could line up between Chaves and Nsoki, while Prass and Hranáč are likely to occupy the wing positions.
In midfield, Stach and Bischof will presumably pull the strings, supported by Becker. Up front, the Kramarić/Orban duo seems to be set. It will be interesting to see whether coach Ilzer sticks with this formation or has any tactical surprises up his sleeve.
Bochum – Hoffenheim head to head & statistics
The head-to-head duels between Bochum and Hoffenheim traditionally promise goal festivals. In the last five encounters, an average of 4.4 goals were scored per game – a remarkable rate.
The most recent duel in October 2024 went 3-1 to Hoffenheim. Before that, Bochum had beaten Hoffenheim 3-2 at home in April 2024. In December 2023, Hoffenheim got the better of Bochum 3-1. Bochum’s 5-2 home win in 2023 was particularly spectacular. The prelude to this flood of goals was a 3-2 win for Hoffenheim in 2022.
The distribution of the goals is interesting: at least four goals were scored in all five matches. Both teams scored in every game – a series that speaks for itself. It is also striking that the second half was always high-scoring, with at least two goals scored after the break.
The record speaks for itself with three wins for Hoffenheim and two wins for Bochum. A draw? Not in the last few years. You could be forgiven for thinking that both teams only know full throttle – defensive stability seems to be a minor matter in these duels.
