Bochum are looking to beat Dortmund for the first time since recording a 4-3 away win in April 2022

Bottom of the table VfL Bochum will host 11th-placed Borussia Dortmund this coming Saturday in the Bundesliga in a “kleine Revierderby”.

The Western German club have managed to win just two matches out of their 21 games this season and are on 11 points. As such it is imperative for the club to get that much-needed win.

Unlike the other major European leagues, the Bundesliga is contested among 18 teams in contrast to the usual 20. The bottom two directly face relegation while the 16th-positioned side have to play the relegation playoffs to earn back their right to compete the following year. Bochum were in a similar position last season as well, as they finished in 16th place and barely survived getting demoted.

Their opponents are not doing too great either. The club have become a shell of its former self and are really underperforming compared to its usual standards. The Niko Kovac-managed side are visibly struggling and their results bear a testament to that. Out of their last five matches in the league, they have managed to win just one.

Phillip Hofmann (VfL Bochum)
Phillip Hoffman will be Vfl Bochum’s target man in Myron Boadu’s absence. The German striker has been overshadowed under Boadu’s dominant performances and will certainly look to capitalize on this opportunity to be the leading goal scorer for his side.

The Arnsberg-born player has already scored two goals and provided two assists this season. Despite lacking in goals there was no shortage of effort on the 1.95 m tall forwards part. He has taken a total of 29 shots on goal and has kept the opposing goalkeepers on high alert during his time on the pitch.

Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
If anyone can clinch it for Dortmund it is none other than Serhou Guirassy himself. Despite the presence of multiple superstars among their ranks, Guirassy has stood out from the crowd. In his 18 appearances, he has scored nine goals for the club.

The lanky striker has so far collected 52 goals in the Bundesliga and will look to add more to his already impressive tally against a trailing Bochum. Apart from his scoring prowess, Guirassy has also been on point with his tackles winning seven against his former club VfB Stuttgart.

VfL Bochum’s last home win against Borussia Dortmund was in 2015. When Borussia Dortmund lead 0-1 away, they win in 57% of their matches. Borussia Dortmund have scored at least one goal for five consecutive matches.