VfL Bochum vs RB Leipzig Bundesliga Preview: Team News and Predicted Lineups

March 2, 2024

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19:30

VfL Bochum host RB Leipzig at home on Saturday afternoon. The visitors are four without a win at home, whereas the hosts are unbeaten in seven at the Ruhrstadion.

Match Overview

VfL Bochum

Bochum were handed an uncharacterstic and embarassing 5-2 defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach, despite heading into the tie off the back of a superb victory over Bayern Munich.

Before last week's tie, they had enjoyed a lot of success in 2024 and had only lost once to Borussia Dortmund this calendar year.

For Bochum, Kevin Stöger has had an amazing season and has eleven goal contributions in the Bundesliga so far (more than any other Bochum player).

Ahead of the Leipzig clash, Bochum's manager Thomas Letsch spoke about how they would deal with their large amount of injuries: "We still have enough options. If we're at 100 percent, it's hard to win against us."

RB Leipzig

Leipzig's last Bundesliga clash with Bochum ended in a 0-0 draw at home.

With three games in three gameweeks against three of the bottom four, Leipzig will hope to pick up all nine points against weaker opposition.

However, Leipzig have struggled at times against struggling teams with Marco Rose's side having lost 2-0 against Mainz earlier this season.

Loïs Openda has scored five goals in the last six league games and sits only two behind Serhou Guirassy in the race for the Torjägerkanone.

Team News

VfL Bochum

Bochum are struggling with injuries, the players currently out are Christopher Antwi-Adjei (muscular), Michael Esser (knee), Erhan Mašović (suspended), Tim Oermann (groin), Patrick Osterhage (calf), Manuel Riemann (suspended), Mohammed Tolba (knee).

The only doubt for the side from the Ruhr region is Danilo Soares (muscular issue).

RB Leipzig

For Leipzig, Lukas Klostermann is out with a thigh injury. Xavier Schlager is suspended following his fifth yellow card against Bayern Munich and Péter Gulácsi is a doubt due to an abdominal problem.