Bochum vs Werder Bremen
German Bundesliga
Sunday
14th January 2024
Vonovia Ruhrstadion
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the German Bundesliga fixture between Bochum and Werder Bremen.
Bochum vs Werder Bremen: Preview
Bochum form analysis
VfL Bochum had struggled for most of the season but showed glimpses of promise recently before a heavy defeat last time out. On 26th November they were held in a goalless away draw by Heidenheim. Things improved on 2nd December with an important 3-1 home win over Wolfsburg thanks to goals from Osterhage, Bernardo and Antwi-Adjei. However, defensive issues persisted on 9th December as they lost 3-1 at Hoffenheim, benefiting from a late Paciência consolation after conceding to an own goal and strikes from Kramarić and Bebou.
Bochum built on the positives on 16th December by dispatching Union Berlin 3-0 at home through goals from Asano, Paciência and a Stöger penalty. But they were brought firmly back down to earth on 21st December, suffering a chastening 0-4 home thrashing by Bayer Leverkusen with no answer to Schick’s perfect hat trick inside the first 45 minutes. Overall, Bochum must address those defensive problems as a priority to turn occasional attacking threat into more positive results.
Werder Bremen form analysis
Werder Bremen have shown inconsistent form over their past five Bundesliga matches. On 25th November they suffered a chastening 0-3 home loss to Bayer Leverkusen. Things worsened on 2nd December with a disappointing 0-2 away defeat at Stuttgart after conceding to Undav and a Guirassy penalty. However, Werder stopped the rot with an important 2-0 home win over Augsburg on 9th December thanks to goals from Stark and Ducksch.
Positive momentum continued initially on 16th December as they led away at Borussia Mönchengladbach through Borré before a second half Reitz double saw the hosts turn the game around, only for Ducksch to secure a 2-2 draw late on. Most recently on 19th December, Werder drew 1-1 at home with RB Leipzig, going behind to Openda before responding through Njinmah’s equalizer. Overall, Werder have scored regularly but defensive issues have often undermined attacking threat. Conceding at least twice in 4 of these 5 games. Tightening up defensively is crucial to turn draws back into wins.
