MSV Duisburg - VfL Bochum

Draw seems likely between these two

TEAM NEWS

Duisburg have no fresh injury or suspension worries, meaning coach Iliya Gruev can choose from a very good squad against Bochum.

Bochum's Jannik Bandowski and Thomas Eisfeld are working on their comebacks and are unavailable. 

Duisburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski (knee), Thomas Eisfeld (unspecified)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: DRAW

Although Duisburg struggled in their first away game of the campaign, losing at Dresden, they produced a good performance. They had over 57% ball possession and 11 attempts on goal, but like last year, they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat away against the same opponents in their opener. Nevertheless, Iliya Gruev can be very proud of his team and if they can build on that performance they won't have to wait for a win for long. After last season’s defeat to Dresden they also hosted Bochum and were able to claim a 1-1 draw. 

Bochum were defeated 2-0 at home by Cologne last Saturday after Maxim Leitsch scored an own goal and the visitors netted in the middle of the second half. Robin Dutt’s side desperately need to improve their attack if they want to avoid drawing a blank as frequently as last season. In fact last term, they failed to score in 11 of their 34 matches while they were also the lowest scorers by far in the top half of the table, with only 37 goals. 

Both teams lost their opening game, but the two of them do have squads of good quality. This could be a very close fight and both side are likely to be happy with a draw – the same result as in their last three league encounters at Schauinslandreisen Arena. Take a punt on a draw.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST HALF HAD – DRAW

Two of the last three meetings between these two sides at Schauinslandreisen Arena have been level at half time. I expect an even match here with only a small amount of attempts on goal in the first half and predict a draw after 45 minutes.

HEAD TO HEAD

Duisburg have not lost against Bochum on home soil for nearly eight years. However, since then, they have hosted Bochum only three times in league action, holding them to a draw on each occasion. Overall, the teams have an even record at Schauinslandreisen Arena, with seven wins each and 11 draws.