VfL Bochum - FC Heidenheim

Bochum set to continue their run

TEAM NEWS

Bochum are still without Jannik Bandowski, Partick Fabian, Timo Perthel and Nico Rieble who are all injured, but none of them has played an important so far this season.

Heidenheim have no important injuries to worry about, with Denis Thomalla their only absentee.

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski (lung), Patrick Fabian (nose); Timo Perthel, Nico Rieble (both knee)

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Denis Thomalla (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

After a horrible start to the new season without a win in three matches, Bochum have managed to turn things around and are coming off two wins in a row. However, their winner against Dresden before the international break arrived late, only two minutes from time, while they came from behind with two goals in the last nine minutes against Darmstadt last time out. Neverthless, coach Ismail Atalan’s men are improving from week to week and have now accumulated seven points from their first five games. Their aim will now be to continue this way in order to close the three-point gap between themselves and the top 3.

Heidenheim are no way near the team they were last season and have found it difficult to score so far, with just four goals in five games. They sit almost at the bottom of the table and have to improve a lot in the upcoming weeks. Heidenheim’s coach Frank Schmidt has not managed to get the season going, with four defeats and only one win, as Heidenheim lost 3-1 at home against newly-promoted Regensburg last time out. He has to find a solution quickly as it will otherwise be very hard to see him on the sidelines in the upcoming weeks.

Bochum have found their form while Heidenheim struggle more week after week. I’ll go with a home win here.

SECOND PREDICTION: HALF TIME HAD – HOME WIN

Bochum have led at half time in two of their last three home games against Heidenheim. With the hosts on a good run and the visitors going through a crisis, I expect Bochum to lead again after 45 minutes.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum have not lost against Heidenheim in three home matches. They have won twice and drawn one.