FC Magdeburg - VfL Bochum

Magdeburg to secure first home win over Bochum

TEAM NEWS

Magdeburg boss Michael Oenning will not be able to count on Rico Preissinger and Aleksandar Ignjovski, who remain out injured. 

Bochum are still dealing with long-term absentees Jannik Bandowski, Milos Pantovic, Sebastian Maier, Maxim Leitsch and Thomas Eisfeld.

Magdeburg

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Rico Preissinger (foot), Aleksandar Ignjovski (elbow)

Bochum

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Jannik Bandowski, Milos Pantovic, Thomas Eisfeld (all knee); Sebastian Maier (groin), Maxim Leitsch (pubis)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Magdeburg fell to a fifth defeat in five league games last time out, suffering an unlucky 3-2 loss away from home to Greuther Furth. Since beating Sandhausen 1-0 at Hardtwald Stadium back in late September, Magdeburg have accumulated a measly one point from 18 on offer. In fact, that win over Sandhausen remains their only victory in 14 league encounters this season, along with six draws and seven defeats. The team are second from bottom, with  four points from safety.

Bochum have been in outstanding form recently, winning three of their last six in the league, along with three draws. Since drawing three in a row with Hamburg, Jahn Regensburg and Greuther Furth, they have now clinched back-to-back victories, seeing off Darmstadt 1-0 and Aue 2-1, both on home soil. Bochum’s fine run has lifted them up to fifth in the table, but on the road they have won only once so far, drawing four and losing one.

This will no doubt be another tough league match for Magdeburg, although Michael Oenning’s boys will be targeting a positive result in this one. Another draw would not be a bad result for Magdeburg but the side will be aware that they need the maximum number of points urgently and quickly. I think they will turn the corner this weekend and expect them to go for their first home win of the season this time. 

SECOND PREDICTION: ODD/EVEN – ODD

Magdeburg's only win has seen odd total goals while Bochum’s last three wins have all seen odd total goals, too. Take a punt on an odd scoreline here.

HEAD TO HEAD

These teams will meet for the first time in the league.