VfL Bochum will be hosting Bayern Munich at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on Sunday, desperately seeking their first Bundesliga win of the season. Bochum’s form has been dismal, with five defeats in their last six Bundesliga outings, meaning they will need a massive improvement to stand a chance against the reigning champions. Bayern Munich, despite coming off a 4-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, remain at the top of the Bundesliga table and are unbeaten in domestic competition. This game provides a chance for them to bounce back and extend their lead.
VfL Bochum
The home side has struggled throughout the season, and injuries have further weakened their squad. With Bernardo and Matus Bero both out due to knee injuries, Bochum will likely adopt a cautious 4-4-2 setup. Patrick Drewes will start in goal, with Felix Passlack and Jakov Medic as the full-backs, and Ivan Ordets and Erhan Masovic forming the central defense.
In midfield, Koji Miyoshi and Max Wittek will occupy the flanks, while captain Anthony Losilla and Ibrahima Sissoko will anchor the center, aiming to add defensive stability and provide the team with forward drive. Myron Boadu and Philipp Hofmann will lead the attack, attempting to exploit counter-attacking opportunities against a Bayern side that will likely dominate possession.
Injury News:
- Bernardo and Matus Bero are ruled out due to knee injuries.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Drewes; Passlack, Medic, Ordets, Masovic; Miyoshi, Losilla, Sissoko, Wittek; Boadu, Hofmann.
Bayern Munich
Despite their recent Champions League setback, Bayern Munich are firm favorites to win. However, they will be without Sacha Boey, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Josip Stanisic due to injuries. The Bavarians are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Manuel Neuer in goal. Raphael Guerreiro and Alphonso Davies will operate as the full-backs, while Kim Min-jae partners Eric Dier in central defense.
In midfield, Joshua Kimmich and Joao Palhinha will form a defensive pivot, providing a shield for the backline and helping Bayern control the tempo. Thomas Muller will operate as the central playmaker, with Michael Olise and Serge Gnabry offering width and attacking prowess. Up front, Harry Kane will lead the line, aiming to continue his blistering scoring form.
Injury News:
- Sacha Boey, Aleksandar Pavlovic, and Josip Stanisic are unavailable due to injuries.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Guerreiro, Dier, Kim, Davies; Kimmich, Palhinha; Olise, Muller, Gnabry; Kane.
Key Stats
- Bayern Munich have scored at least two goals in their last 16 matches against VfL Bochum in all competitions.
- Bayern have won four of the last six encounters between the two sides.
- 35 goals have been scored in the last six meetings between Bochum and Bayern Munich.
- Bochum have conceded 28 goals in their last six matches against Bayern.
- Bochum have lost five of their last six Bundesliga matches.
Player to Watch: Harry Kane
The England international has been in scintillating form for Bayern, scoring 13 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions. His ability to find the back of the net, combined with his creativity and link-up play, makes him a constant threat. Against a struggling Bochum defense, Kane will likely have plenty of opportunities to add to his goal tally and cause problems for the hosts.
VfL Bochum vs Bayern Munich Prediction
VfL Bochum 1-3 Bayern Munich
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