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VfL Bochum vs. RB Leipzig
The 24th matchday in the Bundesliga once again has plenty to offer and on Sunday, Leipzig embark on a very interesting and tricky away trip. For RB, after the contested entry into the round of 16 in the Europa League, must go to the home-strong Bochumers in the Ruhrstadion on Thursday evening. So far, RB has not shown any weakness in the second half of the season and has won everything except for the away game at FC Bayern. As a result, they have fought their way up to 4th place and want to stay there until the end of the season.
Bochum, on the other hand, are surprisingly in a very good position and have their sights firmly set on staying in the relegation zone. The highlight of the season was certainly the 4:2 victory over Bayern a fortnight ago, when Thomas Reis’ team had an absolutely great day. Find out in this Bochum – Leipzig tip whether we think they’ll upset the next big one on Sunday.
Bochum – Leipzig info:
– Date & Time: 27.02.2022, 15:30 Uhr
– Venue: Vonovia-Ruhrstadion (Bochum)
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 24
TV broadcast: In Livestream at DAZN
Bochum Form & Balance Check
Bochum’s development this season has been truly remarkable and, alongside a number of other teams, the promoted side has been one of the surprises of the season. At the latest since the exhilarating victory over the record champions a fortnight ago, VfL has been earning sympathy points across Germany. After a messed-up start to the season, many had already assumed that the team would be relegated. But after the devastating defeat in the first leg against Munich, a jolt seems to have gone through the team and since then Bochum have collected 25 points and are now seven points ahead of the relegation place.
Can VfL keep up this form?
Even though Bochum’s current situation seems very promising, it should be taken with a grain of salt. That they will manage to stay in the league this year is more than likely under the current conditions. Nevertheless, it happens almost constantly that a promoted team that was able to hold its own well in the 1st year of the Bundesliga slips extremely in the 2nd year and gets into big problems. Of course, we don’t wish this scenario on the Bochum team, but they should still start planning now for the coming season.
Bochum facts & analysis
– They finished the last game with a 1-1 draw in Stuttgart.
– Unbeaten for 4 games in the league
– 21 of the 29 points they have picked up in their own stadium
Leipzig form & balance check
After a messed-up start to the season, Leipzig are now back on track and are impressing with refreshing attacking football under their new coach. In the second half of the season, they are top of the table and have won five out of six games, scoring 19 goals in that period. The 6:1 last weekend sounds clearer than it actually was, but you have to play against the opponent so clearly when you are outnumbered. As a result, they have jumped up to 4th place and want to defend it with all their might.
Away RB must improve
It may be hard to believe given the quality of Leipzig’s side, but their 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart on Matchday 19 was RB’s first away treble of the season. Until then, they had failed to win any of their nine away games. But the trend is positive, as last weekend they already managed to record their 2nd win away from home and if they keep up this frequency, then nothing should stand in the way of them reaching the Champions League this season.
Leipzig facts & analysis
– Won 5 of their 6 games so far in the second leg.
– Leipzig score 2.1 goals per game on average
– Nkunku is the top scorer with 13 goals
Predicted line-up – last update on 25 February 2022
For the home side, the defining figures in the Stuttgart draw Polter and Löwen could rotate into the starting eleven. Rexhbecaj returns to midfield after his yellow suspension. Leipzig were active in the Europa League during the week and accordingly it is quite possible that Domenico Tedesco will rotate again and bring in fresh forces. Nkunku, for example, could get a break again and Olmo has also been subjected to a lot of pressure in recent weeks.
Bochum – Leipzig direct comparison & Statistics
The two have already met twice this season, in the first leg and in the cup. Both games were won by Leipzig in a very confident manner. In general, Bochum have not been able to win anything against RB so far and Leipzig have won every one of their six direct competitive matches so far.
– Leipzig won 3:0 in the first leg.
– In the second leg, Leipzig have scored the most goals of any Bundesliga side.
– Bochum have scored a total of only 2 goals in the 6 direct duels
