On April 20, 2024, the Volkswagen Arena is set to host a pivotal Bundesliga clash between Wolfsburg and VfL Bochum, a match with significant implications for the relegation battle.
Both teams are struggling for form, with their Bundesliga survival hanging in the balance.
Current Form
Wolfsburg's Current Form
Wolfsburg, under the new management of Ralph Hasenhuttl, are desperate to reverse their fortunes.
After a promising 2-0 victory over Werder Bremen, the Wolves have suffered three consecutive defeats.
Positioned uncomfortably close to the relegation playoff spot, Wolfsburg's immediate task is to secure points, particularly at home where they have not won since November 2023.
VfL Bochum's Current Form
VfL Bochum, led by Heiko Butscher who recently took over, are also in a precarious position.
They have not won in their last seven games, with their last victory coming in a surprise 3-2 win against Bayern Munich back in February.
On the road, Bochum has struggled throughout the season, with only one win to their name.
Team News
Wolfsburg Team News
Wolfsburg will be without Moritz Jenz due to suspension, and they may also miss key goalkeeper Koen Casteels, who is nursing a shoulder injury.
Lukas Nmecha remains sidelined with a muscle injury, adding to Hasenhuttl’s selection headaches.
VfL Bochum Team News
Bochum faces a defensive crisis with multiple players out due to knee injuries.
The absence of Michael Esser, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, and Mohammed Tolba, along with Niclas Thiede’s broken finger, has severely limited Butscher's options.
Key Players
Wolfsburg's Key Players
Wolfsburg will rely on the attacking prowess of players like Yannick Gerhardt and Jonas Wind to breach Bochum's depleted backline.
VfL Bochum's Key Players
For Bochum, the creativity and goal-scoring threat of Takuma Asano and Kevin Stoger will be crucial if they are to snatch a vital away result.
Scoreline Prediction
The match is expected to be tightly contested given both teams' desperate need for points. Despite their poor home form,
Wolfsburg’s slightly better overall momentum might just see them edge a 2-1 victory, which is what we're predicting.
FAQs
What time does the match start? The match starts at 2:30 pm UK time on April 20, 2024.
Where is the match being played? It is being played at Volkswagen Arena.
What are the current Bundesliga standings for both teams? Wolfsburg is just above the relegation playoff spot, while Bochum is also struggling near the bottom of the table.
Who is expected to be a key player for Wolfsburg? Yannick Gerhardt, with his ability to create and score, is expected to play a crucial role.
Can VfL Bochum win away from home? Bochum has struggled away from home, securing only one win all season, making a victory at Wolfsburg a challenging prospect.
