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VfL Bochum – RB Leipzig
After the teams faced each other in European competitions during the week, fans can look forward to what is now the 25th matchday in the Bundesliga on Saturday. At 3:30 pm, four gripping games are again on the agenda and one of them is the one between the cellar child from Bochum and the third in the table from Leipzig. Both teams won their matches on the last matchday and we can therefore expect two teams who want to win the next match. Whether the Bochum side will secure the next home win is something you can read about in our Bochum – Leipzig tip.
If we take a closer look at the Bundesliga table before the start of the 25th matchday, we can see that Bochum are currently in 14th place with 22 points. If Bochum are also above the line after the 34th matchday, we can speak of a good season in the pot. Their opponents from Leipzig secured third place from Union with a 3-0 win over Gladbach and a win in Bochum on Saturday is almost mandatory if Leipzig want to play in the top flight next year.
Bochum – Leipzig info:
– Date & Time: 18.03.2023, 15:30 hrs.
– Venue: Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Bochum
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 25
– TV broadcast: Sky
Bochum Form & Balance Check
Bochum’s season truly resembles a rollercoaster ride. A fortnight ago, they played a match against the Knappen from Gelsenkirchen, which was almost vital for their survival, and lost 0:2 at home. Only to finally win again away from home last weekend.
Bochum won 2:0 at FC Köln and thanks to the three points from the Rhine, they have been so high up in the table for the first time since the first matchday. After the first matchday, they were in 12th place, and are currently in 14th place
Much better at home
If we take a closer look at the bare numbers at Bochum, then VfL live on their home strength without any question. VfL have won 16 of their 22 points so far in front of their own fans. If they are to be able to stay in the relegation zone, Bochum will have to improve their offensive performance.
The 26 goals scored are the second worst in the league after the Schalkers (20 goals). With regard to Saturday’s match, there is little hope for a win from Bochum’s point of view. VfL have lost all eight games against the Saxons.
Bochum facts & analysis
– Last win with 2:0 against Cologne.
– 16 of the 22 points scored at home
– Weak offensive (26 goals)
Leipzig form & balance check
Just as well, Leipzig fans will be thinking, there’s another Bundesliga game on the schedule next weekend. The season in the top flight did not end well for the Red Bulls. After the Saxons had fought their way to a 1-1 draw against Man City in the first leg, they then suffered a heavy defeat last Tuesday.
The Saxons were beaten 7-0 in Manchester and RB were unable to get a grip on Erling Haaland in particular. The Norwegian scored five goals and coach Marco Rose will have to do a lot of work to build up his players for the upcoming game against Bochum. A defeat like that is hard to get out of one’s mind.
Undefeated against Bochum
Despite the bitter elimination in the Champions League, the fans of the Saxons should be happy that it goes to Bochum on Saturday. The Red Bulls have won all eight games against the VfL so far. All in all, the Saxons have shown themselves to be in good shape again recently. Above all, the Swede Emil Forsberg knows how to advertise himself again.
Forsberg scored in each of the last four games in the league. If Timo Werner also scores on Saturday, then the chances are not bad that RB will at least not lose. If the German international has scored, there has been no defeat this season (five wins and one draw).
Leipzig facts & analysis
– Last win with 3:0 against Gladbach.
– Lost 0:7 against Man City during the week
– Won all 8 games against Bochum
Predicted line-up – last update on 16 March 2023
Bochum won their last match 2-0 against Cologne and coach Letsch will therefore see no reason to change anything in his first eleven. Youngster Osterhage will again be trusted in midfield alongside Losilla and Stöger. In attack, Asano, Hofmann and Antwi-Adjej will start. There will be no major changes. Leipzig will probably still have the game in Manchester in their bones and yet we don’t think Rose will make any major changes. Silva and Werner will again play in the starting line-up. Raum will again defend at left back.
Bochum – Leipzig direct comparison & statistics
Both teams have faced each other in eight matches so far and Leipzig won all eight games.
– Neither team conceded a goal in their last match.
– The winner of the last encounter was RB Leipzig
– VfL Bochum has not won any of their last 8 duels against RB Leipzig
– VfL Bochum lost 3 of their last home matches
