VfL Bochum - FC Heidenheim

Bochum to get back on track with home win

TEAM NEWS

Bochum's injury list still consists of Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld, Maxim Leitsch and Baris Ekincier.

Heidenheim have a full squad to choose from.

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld (both knee); Maxim Leitsch (pubis), Baris Ekincier (unspecified)

Heidenheim

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Having drawn 2-2 with Dresden last weekend, Bochum have now gone five league games without a win (one draw, four losses). In fact, since beating Duisburg 2-1 at Vonovia Stadium at the end of January, the team have picked up just one point from a possible 15 in the league. As a result, they have dropped down to ninth place with 31 points from 24 league games. However, they are comfortable when it comes to relegation as they are 11 points above the drop zone.

Heidenheim have been hard to beat in Germany’s second tier of late, having lost only one of their last ten league matches, along with five wins and four draws, while they also unexpectedly beat top-flight outfit Leverkusen 2-1 at home in the German cup's round of 16 earlier this month. However, their single defeat during that time took place last weekend as they succumbed to a 2-1 loss at Voith Arena against Jahn Regensburg. Sitting in sixth, they are trailing the top three by five points.

Bochum will be desperate to get back to winning ways, but given Heidenheim's recent form, clinching all three points will not be an easy feat for the hosts here. Still, I have a feeling that the visitors' impressive run has come to an end and I believe they will lose for the second time in a row in league action.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE - BOCHUM

Bochum have scored the opening goal in three of their four home league meetings with Heidenheim. Back Robin Dutt’s men to strike first here, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum's last league win in this head-to-head dates back to October 2016. Since then Heidenheim are unbeaten in four league meetings, winning three and drawing one.