VfL Bochum - Erzgebirge Aue

Comfortable triumph for the hosts

TEAM NEWS

Bochum coach Robin Dutt has no injury concerns to deal with and can count on a fully fit squad. The only absent players are Stefano Celozzi, Tim Hoogland and Maxim Leitsch, but there should be suitable replacements for both.

Aue have no new injury worries, with Nicolai Rapp and Nicky Adler the only two players not at their disposal. However, they have to deal with two more absentees who were both booked last time out and are now suspended – Philipp Riese and Calogero Rizzuto.

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Stefano Celozzi (pulled muscle), Maxim Leitsch (adductor), Tim Hoogland (knee)

Aue

Suspended: Philipp Riese, Calogero Rizzuto

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Nicolai Rapp (foot), Nicky Adler (pulled muscle)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Robin Dutt’s Bochum extended their unbeaten run in the league to a staggering eight games following Friday’s hard-fought 1-1 draw at Sportpark Ronhof. After going a goal down in the 27^thminute, Bochum hit back in the second half through Lukas Hinterseer to earn another vital point in their quest for a top-three finish. The team have not been the losing side in the league since falling to a 1-0 defeat at Heidenheim in the middle of February and have clinched three draws and five wins since.

Aue’s hopes of avoiding relegation trouble were dealt another huge blow last weekend as they were beaten 3-1 by struggling Duisburg. Having also lost at Bielefeld two weeks ago, Hannes Drews’ side have now picked up zero points from their last two. With all the other teams around them beside St. Pauli claiming points in the last round, Aue are now only two points above the drop zone but will be facing two other relegation candidates in the last two rounds. 

Bochum have been very strong at Vonovia Stadium lately, winning three and drawing two of their last five on home turf. Being at home on Saturday could give them the edge in this one. I’m backing a Bochum home win.

SECOND PREDICTION: CORRECT SCORE – 2-0

Bochum have won three of their seven home victories 2-0 and Aue have not hit the net in two of their last three away. Another 2-0 win for the hosts is on the cards.

HEAD TO HEAD

Three of the last four fixtures between this pair have ended level with the other one a 4-2 away win for Bochum. The team also have the edge at Vonovia Ruhrstadium with four wins, two draws and one defeat.