Bochum v Freiburg preview: European hopefuls in search of a win at cellar-dwellers | OneFootball

Bochum

Awaiting the final decision regarding the Union Berlin game, Bochum had only two wins after 19 rounds. However, these victories came in the last five matches, which also included a combative 3-3 draw against RB Leipzig.

Dieter Hecking’s unmatched experience is becoming vital in steadying the ship at a club synonymous with relegation battles. Following poor starts to their campaigns, Bochum narrowly missed sinking into 2. Bundesliga in successive seasons.

However, last week’s 3-0 defeat at Gladbach caused a stir in Bochum. Following the defeat to one of his former clubs, Hecking labeled his team “not ready for the level of Bundesliga”. There was also an off-the-pitch shakeup with club president Hans-Peter Villis removed from his position.

While they need strikers Myron Boadu and Philipp Hofmann on top form to turn the tide, the new-signing Tom Krauß will be expected to add more creativity to their midfield. Despite his regular place in Luton Town’s starting XI, all parties decided for Mainz to terminate the previous loan deal so that the former Schalke man could return to Bundesliga.

Team News

Krauß could offer a different outlook to Hecking’s team. Since the start of the season, Matus Bero, Ibrahima Sissoko and the 38-year-old captain Anthony Losilla have been regulars in Bochum’s midfield.

Bero will be back in contention after missing last week’s drubbing due to an accumulation of yellow cards. If he fully recovers from a back injury, Ivan Ordets could also replace Jakov Medic at the heart of Bochum’s defense.

Freiburg

As opposed to Hecking, Julian Schuster said he liked what he saw from his team in last weekend’s defeat to Bayern Munich. Against the league leaders, the young coach made a bold decision to drop captain Christian Günter and chief creator Vincenzo Grifo from the starting lineup.

Schuster will add another big name to his squad with Jan-Niklas Beste nearing a move to Freiburg from SL Benfica in what could be a record transfer sum for the club. Freiburg also kept Kiliann Sildillia despite VfL Wolfsburg’s strong interest in the young defender.

Furthermore, the mood at Freiburg instantly changed on Wednesday, when the club held its New Year's reception. Kicker reported that the club’s long-time coach, Christian Streich, was among the guests at the traditional event for sponsors, media, and employees.

Schuster was applauded for his strong start to the season after Streich’s retirement. But he now faces the danger of slipping away from the top half of the table after losing the last three games to clubs playing European football this season. Contrastingly, Freiburg will now face three relegation-threatened teams in Bochum, Heidnehim and St. Pauli.

Team News

With Lukas Kübler suspended, Sildillia will most likely be the right-back for his first start of the season. Patrick Osterhage could miss out on facing his ex-club because of a muscular injury.

Ritsu Doan, who was directly involved in Freiburg’s last three goals, will hope to continue on his good form of late. Schuster is expected to bring back Günter and Grifo in the starting lineup, while Lucas Höler is still his preferred choice ahead of Michael Gregoritsch.