Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to close the gap on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich when they host relegation-threatened Bochum, following a dramatic 4-3 win at Stuttgart before the international break.
Xabi Alonso’s side left it late once again, securing victory with a stoppage-time goal for the third time this season. The result ended a worrying run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions — matching the total number of losses they suffered during the entirety of their previous campaign.
However, Leverkusen still face a daunting task if they are to defend their Bundesliga title. Since the introduction of the three-points-for-a-win system, only Stuttgart in 2006-07 have managed to overturn a deficit of seven or more points at this stage of the season.
Their meeting with Bochum offers a chance to pile some pressure on Bayern, with Leverkusen boasting four consecutive home wins against their visitors.
Bochum fighting for survival
Bochum find themselves in the relegation play-off spot after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last time out. Yet, recent form offers some hope for Thomas Letsch’s team, having registered two wins, two draws, and two defeats in their last six outings — including a stunning 3-2 victory away at Bayern Munich.
Bochum are also unbeaten in their last three away fixtures (one win, two draws), scoring an impressive average of two goals per game during that stretch. Nevertheless, they face a tough challenge at the BayArena, where they have failed to score on their last three visits. Furthermore, their away record against current top-11 sides this season is unconvincing, with just one win from 10 attempts.
Players to watch
Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick could prove decisive once again, having scored in the reverse fixture. Only against Freiburg and Hoffenheim has he scored more goals in his career than he has against Bochum (five goals).
For Bochum, Matúš Bero remains a player to watch. The Slovakian midfielder scored the famous winner against Bayern and has only been on the losing side once in the five matches in which he has found the net for the club (three wins, one draw).
Stat of the match
Leverkusen have lost four of their last eight Bundesliga home matches played on a Friday (two wins, two draws).
