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VfL Bochum – FC Augsburg
VfL Bochum face a stormy Saturday as they host Augsburg at the Ruhr Stadium in what could be a decisive battle for survival. With only 20 points, two points behind 1. FC Heidenheim, the team of coach Dieter Hecking urgently needs a win against FC Augsburg, which is safely in mid-table with 39 points. Bochum recently suffered a bitter 4-0 home defeat against VfB Stuttgart, which further fueled the fear of relegation. After four defeats in the last five league games, the situation is threatening, but the club is still hoping for a turnaround. Dirk Dufner, the new sporting director, and coach Hecking, whose contract extension has already been announced if the club is kept in the league, are counting on home advantage.
Bochum – Augsburg Info
- Venue: Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Bochum
- Date and Time: 12.04.2025, 15:30
- Competition: Bundesliga (Matchday 29)
Bochum Form & Bilanz Check
After the recent 0-4 debacle against VfB Stuttgart, VfL Bochum’s already serious relegation fears have intensified further. In the last five Bundesliga games, they have recorded four defeats and only one victory – the 3-2 coup at FC Bayern, which, however, had no lasting effect. With a goal difference of -31 and an insecure defense, it is obvious where the main problem lies. Coach Dieter Hecking must now quickly stabilize the team to leave the 17th place in the table, while Holstein Kiel is only two points behind in last place. The upcoming duel against Augsburg, which is ranked 11th in the table with 39 points, could already be a game-changer.
At VfL Bochum, Dieter Hecking is likely to field a 3-5-2 against Augsburg. Horn is expected to be in goal, while Oermann, Ordets and Wittek could form the back three. In midfield, Passlack, Sissoko, Krauss, Bero and Holtmann would be possible choices to provide defensive stability and quick transitions. In offense, Boadu and Hofmann are the most likely line-up, especially since Bernardo (Achilles tendon problems) and Koji Miyoshi (torn muscle fiber) are still missing. However, it is unclear whether Hecking is planning any additional personnel surprises after the 4-0 defeat to Stuttgart.
Augsburg Form & Record Check
FC Augsburg will go into the Ruhr Stadium with confidence despite the recent 3-1 defeat to FC Bayern. The Fuggerstädter were even leading 1-0 until Cedric Zesiger was sent off and successfully defended against the record champions for a long time. Eight points from the last five league games underline their current decent form – including notable victories in Wolfsburg and Dortmund. With 39 points in 11th place and a disciplined defense, which was last held together by goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, Augsburg is in a solid position. However, coach Jess Thorup will have to do without the suspended Alexis Claude-Maurice, who has often provided offensive impetus recently.
Jess Thorup is likely to stick with his 3-4-2-1 system at FC Augsburg. Finn Dahmen is expected to be in goal, having recently kept a remarkable series of clean sheets and attracted interest from bigger clubs. With Cedric Zesiger suspended after his red card, Bauer could form the back four with Matsima and captain Gouweleeuw. Maier, Wolf, Jakić and Onyeka are planned for the midfield, while Jensen could move up front for the suspended Alexis Claude-Maurice. Essende is expected to start as the sole striker. FCA will also have to continue without Reece Oxford and Yusuf Kabadayi, who are missing due to fitness and knee problems.
Bochum vs Augsburg head-to-head & statistics
The head-to-head between Bochum and Augsburg is evenly balanced overall. In the last five meetings, VfL have won twice, while FCA have won once and two games have ended in draws. Augsburg may have won the most recent game 1-0 in November 2024, but in four of the last five meetings, both teams have scored. Sometimes there were even plenty of goals: in 80% of these encounters, there were goals on both sides, and Bochum often shone in the second half in particular. This also gives hope for an exciting game in the upcoming encounter.
