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THE FACTS
When is Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund on and what time does it start? Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund will take place on Saturday 26th August, 2023 – 14:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to German Bundesliga matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund
Where can I stream Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund in the UK? If televised on Sky Sports, Bochum vs Borussia Dortmund can be streamed live on the Sky Go app
THE LOWDOWN
BOCHUM
Everything that could have gone wrong for Bochum in the opening round, did go wrong as they were taken apart by a rampant Stuttgart, losing 5-0 to a side they finished above on the final round of last season, forcing them to win the relegation play-off to retain their Bundesliga status. But at the start of this campaign, the two teams looked worlds apart.
Bochum have already made moves to rectify the defensive disaster of last weekend, recruiting Keven Schlotterbeck from Freiburg on a season-long loan following a successful loan spell at the club last spring and he could come up against younger brother Niko in the opposition backline here.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
The intrigue regarding Borussia Dortmund coming into the new season was to do with how they would play without Jude Bellingham, their star midfielder having been sold to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer. Bellingham was the creative hub of this Dortmund side and it was perhaps to be expected that it may take time for them to really hit their straps offensively.
That was certainly the case against FC Cologne, who frustrated Edin Terzic’s side last weekend as Dortmund struggled to break down a resolute opposition. In the end though, their superior quality told as a late goal from Donyell Malen saw them through to a hard-fought win and three points.
THE TEAM NEWS
BOCHUM
It would be no surprise at all if we saw wholechanges to the Bochum starting line-up following the shambles of Stuttgart. Patrick Osterhage, and Schlotterbeck should be called into the XI, as could Cristian Gamboa ahead of Felix Passlack on the right-hand-side. New signing Moritz Kwarteng remains out through injury.
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Riemann; Masovic, Ordets, Schlotterbeck; Gamboa, Losilla, Stoger, Osterhage, Wittek; Hofmann, Asano
UNAVAILABLE: Kwarteng (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
Both Karim Adeyemi and new signing Felix Nmecha were fit enough to come on from the bench against FC Cologne and each will no doubt be hoping for a starting berth this time round, especially the former when taking into account BVB’s struggles in-front of goal. Marco Reus could drop out in favour of Adeyemi, whilst centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is also a contender to start on this occasion.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Can; Malen, Brandt, Adeyemi; Haller
UNAVAILABLE: Bynoe-Gittins (Injured), Meunier (Injured), Duranville (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Reyna (Fitness)
THE PREDICTION
No doubt Borussia Dortmund have spent the week working on their attacking play and how they can be a more potent force going forward. No better opponent lies ahead than Bochum, when considering how Stuttgart cut through them and made mincemeat of their defence. Whilst an improvement will surely be seen from Bochum at home, a side of Borussia Dortmund’s ability should beat them by at least two clear goals.
TIP: BORUSSIA DORTMUND TO WIN WITH -1 HANDICAP