VfL Bochum vs. VfL Wolfsburg

Preview, team news and predicted lineups as VfL Bochum welcome VfL Wolfsburg to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion on Friday evening.

VfL Bochum face a difficult test on Friday as they welcome promotion hopefuls VfL Wolfsburg to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion, with the hosts desperate to halt a worrying run of form.

Uwe Rösler’s side sit 16th in the 2. Bundesliga table after collecting just seven points from their opening eight matches, while Wolfsburg arrive in third place with 15 points and one of the division’s most potent attacks.

Match preview

Bochum head into the contest under increasing pressure after suffering three consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came last weekend, when they lost 2-0 away to Kaiserslautern, leaving them in the relegation play-off position.

One of the biggest concerns for Rösler has been his side’s lack of attacking output. Bochum have scored just five goals in eight league matches, making them the joint-lowest scorers in the division. Their home form has also been disappointing, and they will need to find a greater attacking threat if they are to trouble a Wolfsburg side with promotion ambitions.

Friday’s fixture could prove particularly significant for Rösler, with reports suggesting his position is under scrutiny amid the club’s difficult start. The Bochum head coach will be hoping that home advantage and the atmosphere under the lights can help his team produce a much-needed response.

Wolfsburg, meanwhile, travel to the Ruhr in considerably better spirits. Tobias Strobl’s team have collected 15 points from eight games and sit third, firmly in the promotion picture. Their 3-1 victory over Heidenheim last weekend extended their unbeaten run to three matches and provided another reminder of their attacking quality.

With 22 goals scored, Wolfsburg boast the division’s most prolific attack. Alexander Bernhardsson has been among their standout performers, while former Hertha BSC attacker Fabian Reese has made an impressive contribution with three goals and five assists. Robert Glatzel has also offered a reliable source of goals, registering five strikes so far this season.  

However, Wolfsburg have not been entirely convincing defensively, having conceded 13 goals in their opening eight fixtures. That could offer Bochum some encouragement, although the hosts will need to be considerably more clinical in the final third to take advantage.

Wolfsburg hold the upper hand historically, having won three of the last five meetings between the two sides. Bochum haven’t tasted victory against their visitors since 2023, a 3-1 home victory in the Bundesliga. 

The visitors will be favourites on paper, but Bochum’s desperation for points could make this an uncomfortable evening if they can improve their attacking efficiency and remain organised at the back.

Team news

Bochum have several injury concerns heading into Friday’s match. Oliver Olsen, Philipp Strompf, Enis Çokaj, Jean-Manuel Mbom and Babis Drakas have all been listed as unavailable ahead of the fixture.

Wolfsburg also have a number of players sidelined, with Fraser Hornby, Aster Vranckx, Trevor Benedict, Mattias Svanberg and Rogério among those listed as injury absentees. 

Predicted lineups

VfL Bochum (4-2-3-1): Horn; Klaiber, Steinwender, Mets, Wittek; Meyer, Pannewig; Steuckers, Taz, Rasmussen; Hofmann 

VfL Wolfsburg (4-3-3): Wellenreuther; Kumbedi, Wahl, Cleiton, Mæhle; Damar, Vini Souza, Gerhardt; Bernhardsson, Glatzel, Reese