Hoffenheim vs Bochum prediction 19.10.2024

• Competition: Bundesliga
• Date: Saturday, 19th October, 2024
• Kickoff: 14:30 UK / 15:30 CEST
• Venue: PreZero Arena (Sinsheim)

Hoffenheim have been a pretty stable Bundesliga team in recent seasons, pretty much constantly finishing around the middle of the league's table. Last year was one of their best, as they finished seventh and eventually secured the Europa League. This season, they were really bad, considering they are in the relegation playout spot (16th) with only four points in six rounds. However, four points in the last two games before the international break against Stuttgart and Dynamo Kyiv (in the EL) are some signs of improvement. The impression is that they are capable of more and that it is only a matter of time before they start winning points regularly.

After securing promotion in the 2020/21 season, Bochum's results slowly declined in the Bundesliga. They went from 13th to 14th and eventually 16th place last year when they had to go through the relegation playout to secure survival. This season, they are looking even worse and are currently the last-placed team with just one point in six rounds. Considering what we have seen from Bochum, there are very few things to be optimistic about, and survival looks like a pretty challenging task.

Hoffenheim vs Bochum pick: Hoffenheim to win

If we count the Europa League games, Hoffenheim lost only to Werder Bremen in the last four games. But they were super close to winning that game and had a 3:0 lead after just 12 minutes. Still, a red card in the 18th minute changed the course of the game and they eventually lost 4:3. So, just with a little more luck, we would speak about a four-game unbeaten mini-run.

On the other hand, Bochum have been absolutely bad from the very start of the season, and there are no signs of improvement. Their only point this season came at home against Holstein Kiel, a newcomer to the league. In recent four games, their defense totally collapsed, allowing 11 goals - 2.75 per game.

In the previous season, both teams won their home games in h2h matches. Considering all the above, we believe that Hoffenheim are closer to winning the upcoming Bundesliga tie.