Bochum vs FC Augsburg
Bundesliga
Saturday
3rd February 2024
Vonovia Ruhrstadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Bundesliga fixture between Bochum and FC Augsburg.
Bochum vs FC Augsburg: Preview
Bochum form analysis
Bochum’s recent form has highlighted impressive attacking potential but clear issues defensively undermining their competitiveness. On December 16th, Bochum produced their best performance of the season in a dominant 3-0 home win over high-flying Union Berlin led by goals from Takuma Asano, Goncalo Paciencia and Kevin Stoger. However, defensive issues badly surfaced just days later during a harsh 4-0 thrashing away to Bayer Leverkusen. After regaining confidence in a 1-1 draw at home to Werder Bremen, Bochum grinded out three vital points on January 20th beating Stuttgart 1-0 through Manuel Bero’s strike.
But defensive problems reemerged in their most recent match away to Borussia Dortmund, ultimately succumbing 3-1 despite Nikolas Schlotterbeck’s own goal leveling things temporarily. So while showing the capacity for impressive attacking displays, Bochum have badly struggled defensively all season with standout goalkeeper Manuel Riemann facing a barrage of shots behind a disorganized back line. Cutting out mistakes must be the priority if they are to avoid relegation.
FC Augsburg form analysis
Augsburg’s recent form has highlighted impressive production from striker Ermedin Demirovic but lingering issues defensively undermining their competitiveness. On December 16th, Demirovic scored to salvage a 1-1 home draw against Borussia Dortmund. However defensive issues surfaced days later during a 3-0 away loss to struggling Stuttgart. Another narrow 1-0 home defeat followed on January 13th with Bayer Leverkusen netting late. Before defensive lapses surfaced again despite Demirovic scoring in a 4-2 loss to Bayern Munich on January 27th.
The one bright spot was a 2-1 away win at Borussia Monchengladbach on January 21st with goals from Philip Tietz and Jeffrey Engels. So while boasting one of the Bundesliga’s most in-form attackers with nine non-penalty goals this term, Augsburg have badly struggled defensively all season. Cutting out individual errors and building cohesion with the manager’s preferred center back pairing must be priorities if Augsburg are to avoid relegation.
