The Bundesliga relegation playoff first leg between VfL Bochum and Fortuna Dusseldorf is set to be an exciting clash as both teams aim to secure their spot in the top tier of German football.
Here's a detailed look into the match, including team news, form, and predictions.
Current Form
VfL Bochum
Bochum finds itself in a precarious position after a disappointing end to the regular season.
They slipped into the bottom three following a 4-1 defeat at Werder Bremen. Interim manager Heiko Butscher, who took over in April, had a promising start with seven points from his first four games.
However, recent form has been concerning, with Bochum suffering heavy defeats, including a 5-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
The team's defence has been particularly vulnerable, conceding 74 goals this season and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 league matches.
Fortuna Dusseldorf
In stark contrast, Dusseldorf has been in superb form, boasting a 14-game unbeaten streak since February.
They secured third place in the second division and narrowly missed out on automatic promotion.
Dusseldorf’s recent 3-2 win over Magdeburg, courtesy of a hat-trick by Christos Tzolis, showcases their attacking prowess.
The team has shown resilience and consistency, making them formidable opponents in this playoff tie.
Team News
Bochum
Bochum will be without several key players due to injuries: Philipp Forster (hip), Michael Esser, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, and Mohammed Tolba (all knee).
Additionally, first-choice goalkeeper Manuel Riemann is unavailable due to an internal disagreement, with Andreas Luthe set to start.
Felix Passlack returns from suspension and is expected to bolster the defence.
Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf's only absentee is Jamil Siebert, who is recovering from a thigh operation.
Manager Daniel Thioune has the luxury of a largely fit squad, with several key players rested in their last match.
Defenders Matthias Zimmermann, Tim Oberdorf, and Emmanuel Iyoha are set to return, along with Yannik Engelhardt in midfield and Vincent Vermeij leading the attack.
Predicted Lineups
VfL Bochum: Luthe; Passlack, Ordets, Schlotterbeck, Bernardo; Losilla, Osterhage; Broschinski, Stoger, Wittek; Hofmann
Fortuna Dusseldorf: Kastenmeier; Zimmermann, Oberdorf, De Wijs, Iyoha; Engelhardt, Tanaka; Klaus, Appelkamp, Tzolis; Vermeij
Prediction
Bochum’s defensive frailties and Dusseldorf’s attacking momentum suggest a high-scoring encounter.
We think that a 2-2 draw seems likely, setting up an intriguing second leg.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Bochum vs Dusseldorf match? This match is the first leg of the Bundesliga relegation playoffs. VfL Bochum aims to maintain their top-flight status, while Fortuna Dusseldorf seeks to return to the Bundesliga after a five-year absence.
How have Bochum and Dusseldorf performed recently? Bochum has struggled, ending the regular season with a 4-1 loss to Werder Bremen and dropping into the relegation playoffs. In contrast, Dusseldorf is on a 14-game unbeaten streak, showing strong form heading into this playoff.
What are the key injuries and absences for Bochum? Bochum will be without Philipp Forster (hip), Michael Esser, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng, and Mohammed Tolba (all knee injuries). First-choice goalkeeper Manuel Riemann is also unavailable due to an internal disagreement, with Andreas Luthe set to start.
What are the key injuries and absences for Dusseldorf? Dusseldorf's only absentee is young central defender Jamil Siebert, who is recovering from a thigh operation.
When and where is the match taking place? The match is scheduled for May 23, 2024, at 7:30 PM UK time, and will be held at Vonovia Ruhrstadion, Bochum.
How have these teams fared against each other in recent meetings? Bochum has won their last three encounters against Dusseldorf, including two second-tier wins by an aggregate score of 8-0 during the 2020-21 season.
Who are the key players to watch? For Bochum, Andreas Luthe in goal and Felix Passlack in defence will be crucial. For Dusseldorf, Christos Tzolis, who recently scored a hat-trick, and Vincent Vermeij, their leading striker, are key players to watch.
What are the expectations for the second leg? The result of this first leg will set the stage for an exciting second leg. Both teams will be eager to either secure their position or gain an advantage heading into the final match of the playoffs.
Bochum 
Düsseldorf 
