Stuttgart vs Bochum Prediction & Tips
Stuttgart are firmly on the way to relegation as they enter this matchday four points from safety after suffering four consecutive Bundesliga defeats – a run that saw its final function in a 4-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on the final matchday. They currently have the longest winless streak in the Bundesliga (E1, P6), so there is a lot of work to be done by coach Pellegrino Matarazzo ahead of this crucial visit from Bochum.
Without a doubt, Matarazzo could not have had a better opponent to try to turn the tables, considering that Stuttgart have not lost a home match in the Bundesliga against their current rival since May 1987 (G13, D5). The Swabians also recorded one of their three clean sheets this league season in the clubs’ first meeting of the campaign (0-0), which could provide a confidence boost.
Bochum have exceeded expectations since that draw earlier in the season, with the newly promoted side finding themselves mid-table after losing just one of their last five Bundesliga games (G2, D2). They also pulled off an upset against Bayern Munich on the final matchday to record one of their biggest wins in history, having scored four times in the first half to beat the league leaders 4-2.
However, the team managed by Thomas Reis have had a deplorable performance on rival soil, currently being tied for the second worst record in the Bundesliga in terms of away points (7 – G2, E1, L8). Six of those eight away defeats saw them go scoreless and they have also scored the fewest goals while playing away from home in the Bundesliga (seven), so comebacks are rarely a common factor – Bochum have obtained just one point after trailing nine times in away games this campaign.
Players to watch: Tiago Tomás scored his first goals for Stuttgart after scoring a brace in his last outing, with both goals being recorded after half-time. Gerrit Holtmann was also on target for Bochum over the weekend, with all four of his goals this Bundesliga campaign coming in the period between the 20th minute and half-time.
Featured fact: Bochum are averaging just 3.5 corner kicks per game this Bundesliga season – the lowest average in the competition.
Stuttgart – Bochum FREE TIPS
Stuttgart – Win @ 3.25
