Fortuna Düsseldorf - VfL Bochum

Leaders to bounce back on Friday

TEAM NEWS

Injured Gokhan Gul, Lukas Schmitz and Andre Hofmann will be missing the game for Dusseldorf once again.

Bochum coach Robin Dutt has no injury concerns to deal with and can count on a fully fit squad.

Dusseldorf

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Gokhan Gul (head), Andre Hoffmann (unspecified), Lukas Schmitz (toe)

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: None

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Friedhelm Funkel’s Dusseldorf have responded well after their three-match unbeaten streak in February. Following that run, they claimed three successive 2. Bundesliga wins, but last Monday they fell to a harsh 1-0 defeat at second-from-bottom Darmstadt, despite the fact that they had a numerical advantage for over 45 minutes. Fortuna are however still leading the division with a six-point lead, with six games left to play. Overall, they have won a staggering 16 of their 28 2. Bundesliga matches.

Bochum have been flying recently, winning their last two league games by scoring five and conceding two. Last time out away from home, three goals from Lukas Hinterseer were enough to seal a 3-2 win against Sandhausen at the Hardtwald Stadium. Robin Dutt’s men followed that up with an emphatic 2-0 victory over Braunschweig at Vonovia Stadium last Sunday. Following a five-match unbeaten run, Bochum have climbed into eighth, but they are still only three points above the drop zone.

Despite Bochum’s good form of late, Dusseldorf should have enough quality and resolve to see off the visiting side on Friday. I’m predicting a Fortuna win.

SECOND PREDICTION: TOTAL GOALS – FOUR 

There have been 11 goals scored in the last three fixtures between Dusseldorf and Bochum at the Esprit Arena. With both teams scrapping for the points, I can see goals in this one. Have a punt on four goals to be scored in Dusseldorf.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum have picked up just one win and six draws in their last 11 meetings with Dusseldorf in all competitions.