Bayer Leverkusen vs. Bochum Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips - bettingexpert
This Friday, Bayer Leverkusen will host Bochum at the BayArena to kick off the 27th round of the Bundesliga. Leverkusen, currently in 2nd place with 56 points and chasing Bayern Munich for the title, recently triumphed in a thrilling 4-3 encounter against Stuttgart. However, they will miss key players including Wirtz and Terrier due to injuries, which could impact their defense and midfield dynamics.
Bochum, on the other hand, sit perilously close to the relegation zone in 16th place with 20 points. Desperate for points, they will look to capitalize on Leverkusen’s injuries to improve their standing.
Expect an open game with goals from both sides. Given the recent form, a recommended bet is for both teams to score.
Tune in at 19:30 to catch the action on Onefootball and CazéTV.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bochum Prediction & Betting Tip
- Recommended bet: Both teams to score, yes.
Both teams have shown an ability to find the net, with Leverkusen averaging 1.60 goals and Bochum 1.80 goals in their last five games. Leverkusen’s recent defensive struggles, due to injuries to key players, and Bochum’s desperation to avoid relegation suggest an open game.
| Bayer Leverkusen vs Bochum Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Both teams to score: Yes | 1.95 |
- Leverkusen have scored in 77% of their home matches this season.
- Bochum’s fight to escape relegation means they will likely attack aggressively.
- Injuries in Leverkusen’s defence make them vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of goals from both sides.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bochum Odds
Looking to place a bet on the match between Bayer Leverkusen and Bochum? Here are the latest odds for this Bundesliga clash:
| Bayer Leverkusen vs Bochum Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 1.24 |
| Draw | 6.21 |
| Bochum | 11.15 |
Bayer Leverkusen is the clear favorite with odds of 1.24, reflecting their higher position in the league and strong performance. A draw is considered less likely at 6.21, while a win for Bochum, who are fighting to avoid relegation, has odds of 11.15, indicating the long shot nature of such an outcome. These odds show the expected dominance of Bayer Leverkusen, but Bochum’s desperate push for points could inject some unpredictability into this contest.
Bayer Leverkusen Team Analysis
Bayer Leverkusen Recent Performance
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VfB Stuttgart | Bayer Leverkusen | 2025-03-16 | Bundesliga | 3-4 (Win) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Bayern Munich | 2025-03-11 | Champions League | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Werder Bremen | 2025-03-08 | Bundesliga | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Bayern Munich | Bayer Leverkusen | 2025-03-05 | Champions League | 3-0 (Loss) |
| Eintracht Frankfurt | Bayer Leverkusen | 2025-03-01 | Bundesliga | 1-4 (Win) |
Bayer Leverkusen has had a mixed run of form lately, securing two wins in their last five games but suffering three defeats, including two in the Champions League. Despite the absence of clean sheets in their last five matches, they have managed to score an average of 1.60 goals per game. Their last Bundesliga outing saw them clinch a thrilling 4-3 victory against Stuttgart, underlining their offensive capabilities but also highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
Bayer Leverkusen Key Players
Bayer Leverkusen’s key players, pivotal in both their attack and defense, are set to make an impact against Bochum. Patrik Schick stands out as the top scorer with 17 goals this season and will be leading the line as the center forward. He is expected to be a constant threat to Bochum’s defense and his battle against Ivan Ordets will be one to watch. In the midfield, Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios will be crucial in dictating the tempo and pushing the team forward. Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo on the wings provide width and creativity, essential in breaking through Bochum’s defense.
Expected lineup for Bayer Leverkusen:
- Goalkeeper: Lukas Hradecky
- Defenders: Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapié
- Midfielders: Jeremie Frimpong, Granit Xhaka, Exequiel Palacios, Alejandro Grimaldo, Amine Adli, Aleix Garcia
- Forward: Patrik Schick
Bayer Leverkusen Suspensions & Injuries
Bayer Leverkusen will be missing a number of key players due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Bochum. Here is the list of injured players and their expected return dates:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Jeanuel Belocian | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid-September 2025 |
| Martin Terrier | Achilles tendon injury | Out for the season |
| Florian Wirtz | Ankle injury | Late April 2025 |
| Mario Hermoso | Tendon injury | Out for the season |
| Nathan Tella | Muscle injury | Early April 2025 |
| Edmond Tapsoba | Muscle injury | Early April 2025 |
The absence of these players, particularly Florian Wirtz and Martin Terrier, may affect Leverkusen’s attacking potency. Coach Xabi Alonso needs to strategize effectively to ensure the replacements can fill the gap and maintain their push for the top spots.
Bayer Leverkusen Tactics and Formation
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Patrik Schick
- Midfield Dynamics: With Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios anchoring the midfield, Leverkusen will aim to control the game’s tempo.
Leverkusen will adopt a 3-4-2-1 formation. Schick leads the attack, supported by Amine Adli and Aleix Garcia as attacking midfielders. The wing-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo, will play crucial roles in providing width and delivering crosses.
Defensive Setup:
- The backline will consist of Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah, and Piero Hincapié.
Offensive Strategy:
- Xabi Alonso will rely on quick transitions and strong wing play.
Weakness to Monitor:
- Despite their offensive prowess, they have conceded the most goals in the last 15 minutes of matches this season.
Bayer Leverkusen will need to be particularly mindful of their defense in the closing stages while leveraging their strong home scoring record.
Bochum Team Analysis
Bochum Recent Performance
Bochum’s recent form has been a mixed bag. With a record showing two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches, they sit in 16th place and face a real fight to avoid relegation.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bochum | Preussen Muenster | 2025-03-20 | Club Friendlies | 4-2 (Win) |
| Bochum | Eintracht Frankfurt | 2025-03-16 | Bundesliga | 1-3 (Loss) |
| Bayern Munich | Bochum | 2025-03-08 | Bundesliga | 2-3 (Win) |
| Bochum | Hoffenheim | 2025-03-01 | Bundesliga | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Wolfsburg | Bochum | 2025-02-22 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
Bochum have been averaging 1.8 goals per game in their last five matches but also concede heavily, with none of these games resulting in a clean sheet for them. This inconsistency has kept them firmly in the relegation zone, needing every point they can muster in the remaining fixtures.
Bochum Key Players
Bochum’s key players will be crucial in this encounter against Bayer Leverkusen. Their top scorer, Myron Boadu, leads the line with 7 goals this season. Given Bayer Leverkusen’s porous defense, Boadu could exploit any lapses.
Expected lineup for Bochum:
- Goalkeeper: Timo Horn
- Defenders: Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets, Jakov Medic
- Midfielders: Felix Passlack, Matus Bero, Ibrahima Sissoko, Tom Krauß, Maximilian Wittek
- Attackers: Georgios Masouras, Philipp Hofmann
Key individual battles to watch include Boadu against Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah and Hincapié. In midfield, Sissoko’s duel with Granit Xhaka will be a physical test for control. Overall, their ability to take advantage of Leverkusen’s defensive absences could prove pivotal.
Bochum Suspensions & Injuries
Bochum is facing a number of injury issues ahead of their match against Bayer Leverkusen, which could impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Luis Hartwig | Arm injury | A few days |
| Koji Miyoshi | Hip injury | Early April 2025 |
| Bernardo | Achilles tendon injury | Mid June 2025 |
Luis Hartwig’s potential return within a few days might provide a late boost. Meanwhile, Koji Miyoshi’s and Bernardo’s absences will particularly hurt, especially with Bochum fighting against relegation. These injuries might force coach Dieter Hecking to make tactical adjustments, possibly affecting their defensive solidity and offensive capabilities. Bochum will need to compensate for these missing players if they hope to fend off Bayer Leverkusen’s robust attack.
Bochum Tactics and Formation
Bochum’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-5-2
- Key Forwards: Georgios Masouras and Philipp Hofmann
- Midfield Composition: Right midfielder Felix Passlack, central midfielders Matus Bero, Ibrahima Sissoko, and Tom Krauß, left midfielder Maximilian Wittek
- Defensive Line: Right center back Tim Oermann, central back Ivan Ordets, left center back Jakov Medic
- Goalkeeper: Timo Horn
Bochum has been adopting a 3-5-2 formation which aims to provide a balanced approach between defense and attack. Georgios Masouras and Philipp Hofmann spearhead the offense, bringing dynamism up front.
In midfield, players like Felix Passlack and Maximilian Wittek will likely focus on width and crossing, while Matus Bero and Ibrahima Sissoko provide a solid central block. Tom Krauß adds versatility to the lineup.
Defensively, Bochum will rely on a three-man setup of Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets, and Jakov Medic to maintain solidity. Timo Horn is expected to command the goal, tasked with handling Bayer Leverkusen’s threatening attack.
Bochum’s strategy includes compact defense and efficient wing play, although injuries might necessitate some tactical adjustments.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Bochum Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bochum | Bayer Leverkusen | 2024-11-09 | Bundesliga | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Bochum | Bayer Leverkusen | 2024-05-12 | Bundesliga | 0-5 (Loss) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Bochum | 2023-12-20 | Bundesliga | 4-0 (Win) |
| Bochum | Bayer Leverkusen | 2023-05-27 | Bundesliga | 3-0 (Win) |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Bochum | 2023-01-25 | Bundesliga | 2-0 (Win) |
Both Bayer Leverkusen and Bochum have shown mixed results in their recent encounters. Leverkusen, currently second in the Bundesliga, will be looking to maintain its strong track record against Bochum. Bochum, occupying 16th place, desperately needs points to avoid relegation and will aim for an upset.
Odds accurate as of 26/03/2025 19:31, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
