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VfL Bochum vs. VfL Wolfsburg
Matchday number 18 and with it the kick-off of the second round of the Bundesliga is on the schedule. The final match of this round will be between VfL Bochum and VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday at 17:30. Due to the ongoing Corona pandemic, the Ruhrstadion in Bochum will be completely empty. Spectators are not allowed at major events until further notice.
If we are honest, the fans gave the Bochum side a point or two in the first half of the season and so the absence of their own supporters is already a slight weakening for the VfL. Find out how Bochum will fare against VfL Wolfsburg in our Bochum – Wolfsburg betting tip.
If we take a closer look at the Bochum team’s performance, we can see that the promoted team’s performance is more than respectable. After the first half of the season, the VfL has more than 20 points and is in a very respectable 12th place. The Wolves started the new year with the same number of points, but with much more trouble. The Lower Saxons are clearly lagging behind their own expectations and coach Florian Kohfeldt must deliver against Bochum, otherwise things could get uncomfortable.
Bochum – Wolfsburg Info
– Date & Time: 09.01.2022, at 17:30 hrs.
– Venue: Bochum, Vonovia Ruhrstadion
– Competition: Bundesliga, Matchday 18
– TV broadcast: DAZN
Bochum Form & Balance Check
Before the season, Bochum were considered the hottest contender for relegation alongside fellow promoted side Fürth. After the first 17 match days, we have to acknowledge without envy that the men of coach Thomas Reis are fighting back with all their might against the 2nd Bundesliga. The 20 points they have earned are an impeccable record and in the upcoming match against the Wolves we can again strongly expect Bochum to rely on their virtues from the first half of the season. Above all, the commitment and passion of coach Thomas Reis’s team are very important. We can be curious to see how and whether the opener against Wolfsburg will be a success.
With Locadia more momentum in the offensive?
With 16 goals, Bochum didn’t completely tear the league apart in the first half of the season. That’s one of the reasons why the transfer of Jürgen Locadia was the logical consequence. The Dutchman comes from English first division club Brighton & Hove Albion and he is on loan until the end of the season. The striker scores above all with his speed, which makes him a perfect teammate for Sebastian Polter. There are also rumours about a possible return of Robert Zulj. The Croatian moved to the desert a year ago and is now said to be on the verge of a comeback at Castroper Straße.
Bochum facts & analysis
– Strong 12th place
– 20 points earned
– Keeping in the league is the goal
Wolfsburg form & balance check
Next to Gladbach and Leipzig, we have to count the Wolves from Lower Saxony among the biggest disappointments of the season so far, much to the chagrin of VfL fans. After last season’s strong fourth place, they should actually be heading for Europe again this year. Preferably, of course, in the top flight, but the Lower Saxons would also be content with the Europa League.
At the moment, however, VfL’s relegation battle is on the agenda and the lead over the dangerous places is currently only three points. The next few weeks will show whether the stars from Wolfsburg can also fight relegation.
Weghorst facing departure?
What seemed all but unthinkable in the last two seasons may just soon become reality. Wout Weghorst is facing a farewell from the Autostadt. VfL’s best goal scorer in recent years has not been able to match his level of performance this season and in recent games he has found himself on the bench for the most part. If we believe the media reports, Newcastle United seem to be a hot candidate. Even though the salary on the island might be a bit higher, the Dutchman would have to prepare himself for a relegation battle.
Wolfsburg facts & analysis
– Disappointing 13th place
– Only 20 points earned
– Weak offence with 17 goals
Predicted lineup – last update on 7 January 2022
The Bochum side will go with a 4-3-2-1 in their first game of the new year. Polter will again play right up front. Behind him, Holtmann and Asano have all the freedom. For newcomer Locadia, the match is still too early. Weghorst could play his last game for VfL Wolfsburg. The Dutchman is expected to shoot the Lower Saxons to victory.
Bochum – Wolfsburg direct comparison & statistics
Both teams have faced each other 28 times in their history so far and Bochum have won 13 games. Wolfsburg have 11 wins and four times both have shared the points.
– VfL Wolfsburg have conceded one goal in each of their last 9 matches.
– Did you know that VfL Bochum score 38% of their goals between the 76-90 minute? That is the highest value in the league
– VfL Wolfsburg haven’t won in 8 games
– VfL Wolfsburg last lost 7 games in a row
