Bochum vs FC Koln prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2022-09-17 15:30.
Heiko Butscher is focusing on a “positive approach” after being handed the reins as Bochum interim manager. Previous boss Thomas Reis was given the boot following a 3-1 defeat to Schalke last weekend, a sixth successive loss that left ‘Die Unabsteigbaren’ bottom of the Bundesliga with a worrying goal difference of -14.
The sacking of Reis, who guided Bochum back to the top flight in 2021, has perhaps been a long time coming given they have won just three of their last 15 league games (D1, L11). The new era starts with the visit of Cologne, but that will do little to raise spirits, given Bochum have lost 49 of the previous 85 meetings between the two sides (W17, D19) – only Bayern Munich have beaten them on more occasions!
A quick glance at Cologne’s start to the season may only further temper expectations. ‘Die Geißböcke’ suffered just their fourth defeat in 15 Bundesliga matches against table-topping Union Berlin last weekend (W7, D4), while their run of W2, D3, L1 from the opening half a dozen league fixtures is identical to how they began the 2021/22 campaign, a sequence that included a 2-1 victory over Bochum, when they ultimately claimed seventh and a European place.
Steffen Baumgart’s side did bounce back to winning ways in midweek though, defeating Slovacko 4-2 in the UEFA Europa Conference League despite resting several players. Baumgart believed his side “played confidently”, although that is hardly surprising given they have suffered just two defeats in all competitions this season (W4, D5), scoring 21 times in the process!
Players to watch: Bochum striker Simon Zoller has scored once in three games against Cologne, but never finished on the winning team (D2, L1), with both the draws ending 0-0. Meanwhile Cologne skipper Marcel Risse has scored two of his 26 goals for the club in four appearances against Bochum (W2, L2).
Hot stat: The last time Bochum lost seven successive Bundesliga matches was April – May 1999!