Bochum vs. RB Leipzig Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 January 2025 - bettingexpert

The Bundesliga clash between Bochum and RB Leipzig at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion on 18 January 2025 is a crucial encounter for both teams, albeit for different reasons. Bochum is rooted at the bottom of the table with only 11 points and is desperate to climb out of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Leipzig, sitting 4th with 30 points, is eager to secure a Champions League spot.

Bochum recently grabbed a 1-0 win against St. Pauli, showing some resilience, while Leipzig continues to look strong despite the absence of key forwards Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda due to suspension.

Given Leipzig’s form and historical dominance, such as their recent 4-2 win over Bremen, the recommended bet is on Leipzig to win. Odds back this with Leipzig at 1.76.

Expect an intense match as both sides fight for crucial points.

Bochum vs RB Leipzig Prediction & Betting Tip

The upcoming game between Bochum and RB Leipzig promises to be intriguing. Based on the current dynamics and team performance, the recommended bet is on RB Leipzig to win. Leipzig’s stronger position in the standings and recent form make them firm favorites despite a few key absences.

Bochum vs RB Leipzig Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
RB Leipzig to win	1.76

• Leipzig have a stellar record against Bochum, winning their last two encounters comfortably.
• Bochum have struggled defensively, conceding 37 goals in 16 games.
• Leipzig, aiming for a Champions League spot, have been in great form recently and possess strong squad depth.

Bochum vs RB Leipzig Odds

When it comes to betting on the upcoming clash between Bochum and RB Leipzig, the odds significantly favor the away team. Leipzig’s robust performance in the league this season places them in a strong position to continue their winning streak against Bochum.

The bookmaker odds reflect Leipzig’s superior form and higher league ranking. Here’s a quick breakdown of the betting odds:

Bochum vs RB Leipzig Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Bochum to win	3.60
Draw	3.63
RB Leipzig to win	1.98

Given Leipzig’s consistent scoring ability and Bochum’s defensive struggles, betting on an RB Leipzig victory seems to be the most promising choice.

Bochum Team Analysis

Recent Performance

Bochum has shown some resilience in their recent matches, with three wins in their last five games. A notable victory came in their last match against St. Pauli, where a goal by Philipp Hofmann secured a 1-0 win.

In terms of clean sheets, Bochum has managed to secure three in their last five games, indicating a solid defensive performance lately. The team has been averaging 2.00 goals per game during this period, showcasing their attacking capabilities.

Overall, here are their last five results:

Bochum	Opponent	Result
Bochum	St. Pauli	1-0 (Win)
Bochum	Heidenheim	2-1 (Win)
Bochum	Augsburg	2-0 (Win)
Bochum	Borussia Dortmund	0-3 (Loss)
Bochum	Freiburg	1-2 (Loss)

Despite being at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, their recent form provides a glimmer of hope for the match against RB Leipzig.

Bochum Key Players

Bochum’s key players include their top scorer, Matus Bero, who has netted 3 goals this season. His contributions in the midfield are crucial, especially when paired with the likes of Felix Passlack and Ibrahima Sissoko.
Philipp Hofmann, who scored the winner against St. Pauli, will be vital in the attack, aiming to break Leipzig’s defense.
Moritz Broschinski, another forward, has shown promise and could be pivotal in setting up goals.
Expected lineup for Bochum:

• Goalkeeper: Patrick Drewes
• Defenders: Jakov Medic, Ivan Ordets, Bernardo
• Midfielders: Felix Passlack, Ibrahima Sissoko, Matus Bero, Maximilian Wittek
• Attackers: Philipp Hofmann, Moritz Broschinski, Dani de Wit
  Individual battles to watch include Bero versus Kevin Kampl in the midfield and Hofmann challenging Leipzig’s defenders.

Bochum Suspensions & Injuries

Bochum’s squad is currently dealing with several injuries which could impact their performance against RB Leipzig, especially in defense. Important players like Luis Hartwig, Tim Oermann, and Anthony Losilla are nearing a return, but their exact availability remains uncertain. Additionally, Ivan Ordets’ head injury means he might not feature, creating a potential defensive gap.
Here are the current injuries for Bochum:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Luis Hartwig	Arm injury	A few days
Tim Oermann	Concussion	A few days
Mats Pannewig	Back injury	Early February 2025
Anthony Losilla	Illness	A few days
Ivan Ordets	Head injury	Late January 2025
There are no suspensions reported for Bochum.

These absences might challenge Bochum’s defensive stability and overall squad depth, especially considering their current standing at the bottom of the table.

Bochum Tactics and Formation

Bochum Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Key Forward: Philipp Hofmann
• Midfield Maestro: Matus Bero
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Targeting counterattacks and high pressing in the latter stages of the first half.
  Bochum, currently struggling at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, will adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation to try and solidify their defense while seeking quick transitions.
  Philipp Hofmann leads the attack, supported by Moritz Broschinski. Matus Bero, a crucial playmaker in midfield, will pull the strings behind them.
  The defensive trio, although affected by injuries, has shown resilience, managing three clean sheets recently. The team’s plan will revolve around absorbing pressure from RB Leipzig and exploiting counterattack opportunities, particularly between the 61-75 minute marks where they’ve struggled defensively this season.

RB Leipzig Team Analysis

RB Leipzig Recent Performance

RB Leipzig has experienced a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, reflecting their inconsistent form despite being a top-four contender. Here’s a look at their latest performances:

Home team	Away team	Result
RB Leipzig	Freiburg	1-2 (Loss)
Mainz	RB Leipzig	0-3 (Win)
RB Leipzig	Bayern Munich	0-1 (Loss)
Stuttgart	RB Leipzig	1-2 (Win)
RB Leipzig	Eintracht	2-3 (Loss)

Despite their up-and-down form, Leipzig’s attack remains potent, with an average of 2.00 goals per game in the last five matches. However, defensive solidity has been an issue, as they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in these encounters. Their offensive play is spearheaded by Benjamin Sesko, who has netted eight goals this season, though he will be unavailable due to suspension.

RB Leipzig Key Players

RB Leipzig’s squad is packed with talent, even with key suspensions. Their top scorer, Benjamin Sesko, with 8 goals this season, will be missed due to suspension. However, the team can still rely on their depth to secure a win.

Expected lineup for RB Leipzig:

• Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
• Defenders: Lukas Klostermann, Nicolas Seiwald, Willi Orban, David Raum
• Midfielders: Antonio Nusa, Kevin Kampl, Arthur Vermeeren, Xavi Simons
• Attackers: Robert Ramsak, Christoph Baumgartner

Key individual battles to watch include Xavi Simons in midfield, known for his creative play, going up against Bochum’s Ibrahima Sissoko, and the clash between Leipzig’s Robert Ramsak and Bochum’s dependable defender Ivan Ordets. These matchups will be crucial in determining the game’s outcome.

RB Leipzig Suspensions & Injuries

RB Leipzig are dealing with several injuries and suspensions that could impact their performance against Bochum. The absence of key players like Benjamin Sesko and Loïs Openda due to suspensions means Leipzig will have to rely on their bench depth. Additionally, the injuries might force coach Marco Rose to make tactical adjustments.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Yussuf Poulsen	Thigh injury	About a week
Castello Lukeba	Hamstring injury	Early February 2025
Assan Ouédraogo	Hamstring injury	Mid-April 2025
Benjamin Henrichs	Achilles tendon injury	Out for the season
Xaver Schlager	Knee injury	Late February 2025
Andre Silva	Calf injury	Early February 2025
Lutsharel Geertruida	Cold	A few days
Nicolas Seiwald	Cold	A few days
Ridle Baku	Cold	Doubtful
Player	Suspension	Expected return
———————-	————————	———————–
Loïs Openda	Yellow/red card	1 match left
Benjamin Sesko	Yellow/red card	1 match left

These absences are significant, especially given that Sesko is the team’s top scorer. Hence, Leipzig’s depth and tactical flexibility will be put to the test.

RB Leipzig Tactics and Formation

RB Leipzig’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Robert Ramsak, Christoph Baumgartner
• Midfield Unit: Antonio Nusa, Kevin Kampl, Arthur Vermeeren, Xavi Simons
• Defensive Line: David Raum, Willi Orban, Nicolas Seiwald, Lukas Klostermann

Given their current injury and suspension issues, especially the absence of top scorer Benjamin Sesko and forward Loïs Openda, Leipzig might need to tweak their game plan.

Traditionally, Leipzig adopts a high-pressing and fast-transition style. They are likely to rely on Kampl and Simons to maintain midfield control and create opportunities for Baumgartner and Ramsak upfront, supported by dynamic wing play from Nusa and Raum. Tactical flexibility will be key for Leipzig to secure the win.

Bochum vs RB Leipzig Head-to-Head Statistics

Let’s delve into the recent encounters between Bochum and RB Leipzig. Below is a breakdown of their last five meetings:

Home	Away	Result
RB Leipzig	Bochum	1-0
Bochum	RB Leipzig	1-4
RB Leipzig	Bochum	0-0
Bochum	RB Leipzig	1-0
RB Leipzig	Bochum	4-0

RB Leipzig has generally had the upper hand, winning three of the last five matches and scoring a total of 9 goals across these encounters. Bochum managed a solitary win and a draw, highlighting the challenges they face going up against a strong Leipzig side.

Odds accurate as of 16.01.2025 14:32, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.