Second placed Bayer Leverkusen will look to reduce their distance to Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich by just three points when they host VfL Bochum at the BayArena. Leverkusen’s form has been shaky with three defeats in their last four in all competitions and they are without a win in their last three home games. VfL Bochum meanwhile, are desperate for points as they fight to avoid relegation. They currently sit in 16th place with 20 points.
Leverkusen currently sit on 56 points after 26 matches following a 4-3 comeback victory over Stuttgart on March 16. Xabi Alonso’s men fought back from 3-1 down to snatch all three points all in thanks to a stoppage time winner from Patrik Schick. The result was a vital step in the pursuit of Munich particularly after they dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin the day before. However, Leverkusen’s defensive struggles remain a concern having conceded 10 goals in their last four games across all competitions. Now, despite their title hopes being slim with just eight games left, a win today would crank up the pressure on Bayern.
Bochum are as of now one point ahead of Heidenheim and three clear of bottom side Holstein Kiel. Despite a 3-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last time out, Bochum showed some attacking intent registering 14 shots inside the box. Dieter Hecking’s side will now hope to take confidence from their last meeting with Leverkusen which ended in a 1-1 draw on November 9. Bochum’s recent Bundesliga form has been mixed with two wins, two draws and two losses in their last six matches but notably they have beaten both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in that span. They are also unbeaten in their last three away games drawing twice and winning once.
Leverkusen will be without defenders Edmond Tapsoba, Jeanuel Belocian and Mario Hermoso. Xabi Alonso is likely to field a back three of Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapie with Lukas Hradecky in goal.
Bochum are without centre back Bernardo and winger Koji Miyoshi. Expect Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets and Jakov Medic to form the back three, with Matus Bero, Ibrahima Sissoko and Tom Krauss in midfield. Gerrit Hofmann and Giorgos Masouras are likely to start up front.
Bayer Leverkusen possible lineup: Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Adli, Garcia; Schick
VfL Bochum possible lineup: Horn; Oermann, Ordets, Medic; Passlack, Bero, Sissoko, Krauss, Wittek; Hofmann, Masouras
