VfL Bochum - SC Paderborn

Bochum to take all three points on home soil

TEAM NEWS

Bochum are still dealing with long-term absentees Jannik Bandowski, Thomas Eisfeld, Maxim Leitsch and Baris Ekincier. Silvere Ganvoula received a red card against Sandhausen last time out and is suspended.

Coach Steffen Baumgart has a fully-fit Paderborn team at his disposal, with only Leon Fesser, Khiry Shelton and Leon Bruggemeier out due to different injuries.

Bochum

Suspended: Silvere Ganvoula

Doubtful: None

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

Paderborn

Suspended: None

Doubtful: None

Injured/unavailable: Leon Fesser (thigh); Khiry Shelton, Leon Bruggemeier (both knee)

MATCH PREVIEW

MAIN PREDICTION: HOME WIN

Bochum’s promotion hopes have been dealt a blow in recent weeks as the side have lost three and won only two of their last five league matches. Robin Dutt’s side have also won just one of their last nine away league matches (five draws, three losses), losing 3-0 to bottom team Sandhausen last weekend. However, on home soil, they are one of the best teams in the league with only four other sides registering more points on their own turf. They have six wins, one draw and only three defeats in ten home league matches.

Paderborn have been flying recently, even though they started the new year with a 2-0 loss at in-form Jahn Regensburg. However, Steffen Baumgart’s men followed that up with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Greuther Furth at Benteler Arena last weekend. They sit in an excellent seventh place on their return to the second tier and have the best attack with 48 goals scored. The team beat Duisburg 3-1 away in the third round of the German cup in midweek.

Paderborn have been on a good run of late, winning three and losing only one of their last four league matches, but Bochum’s qualities should shine through here, especially seeing as they will enjoy home advantage. I fancy the hosts to take all three points from this one.

SECOND PREDICTION: HILO – HIGH

Bochum have been involved in several high-scoring league games of late, with four of their last five resulting in three total goals or more. Meanwhile, Paderborn’s last four league matches have produced 19 goals in total. I fancy this league game to end with plenty of total goals, too.

HEAD TO HEAD

Bochum have not lost any of their last three league meetings with Paderborn, winning two and drawing one.