VfL Bochum - Jahn Regensburg

Comfortable victory for VfL at Vonovia Stadium

TEAM NEWS

Bochum coach Robin Dutt has no fresh injury concerns to deal with and can count on a fully fit squad. The club’s only absent player is Maxim Leitsch, but there should be a suitable replacement for him.

Regensburg’s Andreas Geipl is suspended while Achim Beierlorzer has to find suitable replacements for several injured players as Kevin Hoffmann, Sebastian Nachreiner, Oliver Hein, Philipp Pentke and Hamadi Al Ghaddioui are all out.

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Maxim Leitsch (adductor)

Regensburg

Suspended: Andreas Geipl

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Kevin Hoffmann, Sebastian Nachreiner (both knee); Oliver Hein (kneecap), Philipp Pentke (rib), Hamadi Al Ghaddioui (calf)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Bochum’s slim playoff hopes were ended last weekend when they were beaten 3-1 by Union Berlin at Alte Forsterei. It was VfL’s first defeat since losing 1-0 to Heidenheim in mid-February but resulted in Robin Dutt’s men trailing third-placed Holstein Kiel by six points. Even a win on Sunday will therefore not be enough for a top three finish. Nevertheless, after a slow start, it has been an encouraging season for Bochum.

Regensburg’s playoff dreams were dashed two weeks ago as they were beaten 4-1 on the road by Duisburg, followed by a 3-0 defeat at home against lowly Darmstadt last weekend in front of a sold out Continental Arena. Jahn’s form has been nowhere near good enough recently, with only two wins, one draw and two losses in their last five. However, overall, their return to Germany’s second tier can be seen as a success for them.

There may not be anything to play for at Vonovia Stadium, but both teams will want to end their season on a high. However, home advantage could be the deciding factor in this one. I’m siding with a Bochum win.

SECOND PREDICTION: FIRST TEAM TO SCORE – BOCHUM 

Bochum have scored the opening goal in three of their last four home league games. Back Bochum to open the scoring at the weekend.

HEAD TO HEAD

These two have only met three times competitively, with Bochum beating Regensburg 1-0 at Continental Arena twice but losing their only home game 2-0 in 2013.