Bochum vs RB Leipzig betting Preview

In this Bochum vs RB Leipzig betting preview we will be outlining why our selection represents incredible value. 

The return of midfield maestro Xavi Simons couldn’t have come at a better time for RB Leipzig as they look to build momentum in 2025 with a trip to bottom-placed Bochum. Marco Rose’s men showed glimpses of their scintillating best in dismantling Werder Bremen last weekend, with Xavi marking his comeback with a spectacular brace that served notice of Leipzig’s renewed attacking threat. 

Meanwhile, Bochum’s nightmare campaign shows no signs of abating after a toothless display against Mainz extended their concerning goal drought. The hosts remain rooted to the foot of Bundesliga and a return to the second tier already looks certain. 

Bochum vs RB Leipzig Prediction: Lofty Leipzig to keep Bochum bottom

Germany, Bundesliga, Saturday, January 18th, 14:30 (UK)

Generally historical stats can be taken with a pinch of salt and tend only to be used to support a flimsy case. However, it can’t be overlooked that RB Leipzig have won 10 of the 12 meetings between these two clubs. 

It’s not just the results – it’s the manner of those wins that is most telling. Bochum have managed to score just four goals across those meetings, never finding the net more than once in any single match. Crucially it is a pattern of performance, or under-performance that is being replicated across the current campaign. 

While Leipzig experienced a brief wobble coinciding with the injury to Xavi Simons and subsequent absence for a combined 11 Bundesliga and Champions League games, their underlying numbers remained strong. Die Roten Bullen won only three of those fixtures but the Dutch midfielder returned for the 4-2 dismissal of Werder Bremen on Sunday and scored twice in the opening 35 minutes.

The 21-year-old’s return transforms his side’s attacking dynamic with six goal involvements (4 goals, 2 assists) in just eight Bundesliga appearances this term highlighting his game-changing influence. The creative freedom he provides perfectly complements the devastating finishing of Benjamin Šeško and Loïs Openda.

Bochum’s defensive vulnerability makes them susceptible to Leipzig’s fluid attack. Having shipped multiple goals in each of their last four defeats, it would be a shock if they didn’t do so again. The hosts “boast” the joint-worst home record in the Bundesliga to perfectly highlight their own stadium provides little advantage.

Marco Rose’s tactical approach typically thrives against teams forced to chase games. With Bochum desperate for points given their 8-point deficit to safety, they cannot afford to sit deep and try to frustrate Leipzig. This should create the exact spaces that Xavi, Šeško and Openda thrive on.

The visitors’ pressing game, which has forced the second-most high turnovers in the Bundesliga this season, should prove particularly effective against hosts that have lost possession in their defensive third more times than any other team. This weakness to pressure creates a perfect storm.

The winter break appears to have rejuvenated Leipzig at precisely the right moment. Rose’s track record of securing top-four finishes provides a template for another strong second half of the season. 

With Xavi operating at peak powers, Šeško demonstrating his long-range prowess with a 25-yard thunderbolt against Bremen, and Openda hungry to chase down last season’s 24-goal haul, Leipzig possesses too many weapons for this fragile Bochum defence. 

At the other end Péter Gulácsi, who suffered two campaigns of injury hell, opened this season with a club-record five consecutive clean sheets and now has a league high eight to his name. Not a good sign for Bochum who have only scored more Bundesliga goals than one other side this term.

The expectation was to have to get Leipzig onside via a handicap but the price in the 1X2 market is perfectly backable. Xavi’s return really does make a huge difference, especially against hosts who look way out of their depth, showing no signs of escaping their relegation battle. Anything other than a comfortable away victory would represent a major surprise.

• Bochum vs RB Leipzig Prediction: RB Leipzig to win (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.75
• Bookmaker: William Hill
• Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)

Bochum vs RB Leipzig betting preview odds via William Hill as at 09:00, January 15th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Bochum vs RB Leipzig Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Xavi return to energise Red Bulls

Dieter Hecking has pretty much a full strength squad to choose from for this fixture. There are doubts surrounding the fitness of a couple of players. Ivan Ordets and Mats Pannewig are likely to miss out due to head and back injuries respectively. Tim Oermann is expected to recover from the knock which forced him off after 20 minutes against Mainz.

Fullback Benjamin Henrichs’ terrible achilles injury suffered in the 5-1 loss to Bayern prior to the winter break has ruled him out for the rest of the season. Yousuff Poulsen is another long term absentee with a thigh injury but Marco Rose will have Amadou Haidara available after serving his one match suspension for accumulation of yellow cards. 

Bochum possible starting lineup:
Drewes, Medić, Masovic, Bernardo; Passlack, Bero, Sissoko, Wittek; De Wit; Broschinski, Hofmann

RB Leipzig possible starting lineup:
Gulácsi; Klostermann, Orbán, Seiwald; Baku, Kampl, Haidara, Raum; Openda, Xavi; Šeško

Match Stats: Low Road looks the best option from the Red Bull wings

• Bochum have won more aerial duels than any other side in Bundesliga this season
• Bochum have committed the most fouls in the league this term  
• Bochum have the lowest possession in the German top tier this campaign

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