Bochum vs Hoffenheim prediction: GERMANY: Bundesliga betting tips on match 2023-02-03 14:30.
It took less than one minute for Bochum to concede the first of their five goals in a 5-2 loss to Mainz, which saw Thomas Letsch’s side become the worst defensive side in the Bundesliga with 44 goals conceded. That even eclipses Schalke’s sloppy goals against tally of 41 after 18 rounds, and yet they have the opportunity to provisionally move out of the dreaded bottom three with a win or draw against upcoming opponents Hoffenheim.
Returning to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion should be a massive boost for Bochum, who have picked up a joint league-high 13 points (W4, D1) across their previous five home rounds! That impressive haul accounts for 81% of their total this season, so it appears safe to assume any successful bid for survival on Bochum’s part will be built upon strong home foundations.
Trying to destabilise that bid on this occasion will be Hoffenheim, a side that have finished in the top half in seven of their last nine Bundesliga campaigns but could mathematically end this round in the bottom three. An extensive period involving just one league win since September (D4, L7) has seen the pressure build upon boss André Breitenreiter, who actually criticised the fans for voicing their displeasure at their latest 4-1 home humbling against Mönchengladbach.
Ever since Hoffenheim’s meteoric rise from the third tier to the Bundesliga between 2006-2008, the Sinsheimers have been a permanent fixture in the top flight, though a poorer start to this season than in any of the prior six campaigns is worrying. Breitenreiter’s men actually retain favouritism despite Bochum’s buoyant home form, which is curious considering they have a league-low 36% win rate when beginning as favourites (W4, D4, L3).
Key battle: Philipp Hofmann (G6) has scored in each of Bochum’s last four home league victories and he could have a few more goals left in him as he seeks a fifth straight double-digit haul in a league campaign. Trying to stop him will be new Hoffenheim arrival John Brooks, yet the USA centre-back was booked as his side conceded four goals on his debut.
Hot stat: Only Schalke (13) have conceded more goals beyond the 75th minute than Bochum’s 12 this Bundesliga season.