Union Berlin vs Bochum preview: Hosts look to bounce back

Union Berlin are set to host struggling VfL Bochum at Stadion An der Alten Försterei on Saturday in their 14th fixture of the 2024-25 Bundesliga season.

Union Berlin

Die Eisernen will be deeply frustrated by their recent loss to Stuttgart, especially after taking a commanding 2-0 lead by the 48th minute, only to concede three goals in a devastating 18-minute spell between the 51st and 69th minutes.

Head coach Bo Svensson described the loss to Stuttgart as “hard to swallow” and voiced frustrations with the referee’s performance, though attention may need to shift to his team’s ongoing defensive issues. Union Berlin have managed just one clean sheet in their last seven games, conceding 11 goals across their previous six matches.

Offensively, the team has struggled as well, scoring only three goals in their last six outings. This poor run has left them winless during that stretch, with five defeats.

At home, Union Berlin’s form has been inconsistent. They have drawn twice and lost once in their last three matches at Stadion An der Alten Försterei, though they secured victories in the three home games before that.

Team News

Union will be without striker Andrej Ilic, who is sidelined until late December. In his absence, Woo-Yeong Jeong, Tim Skarke, and Benedict Hollerbach are expected to lead the attack. Goalkeeper Yannic Stein is also unavailable, making Frederik Rønnow the likely starter between the posts.

Defensively, the hosts could deploy a back three of Danilho Doekhi, Kevin Vogt, and Diogo Leite, with a double pivot of Aljoscha Kemlein and Rani Khedira anchoring the midfield.

Bochum

Bochum enter the clash against Union Berlin following a frustrating loss to Werder Bremen. Despite registering more shots, more attempts on target, and a higher open play xG, their defensive lapse during a corner in the 56th minute proved costly.

Manager Dieter Hecking acknowledged his team’s struggles, expressing a mix of optimism and concern. He remarked, “The clarity was missing, perhaps also the last belief. We lost order structure, and, despite all our will, no longer made the right decisions.

While Hecking believes his side is close to turning their performances into positive results, the lack of composure and discipline remains a critical hurdle.

Bochum face an uphill battle as they remain nine points adrift of 15th-placed St. Pauli, the first team outside the relegation zone.

The visitors are yet to secure a win in their 14 Bundesliga matches this season, suffering 12 defeats and managing just two draws. They hold the league’s worst offensive and defensive records, with only ten goals scored and 34 conceded.

Their struggles are particularly glaring on the road, where they have lost all eight of their away games this season. In their last four away fixtures, Bochum have managed just three goals while conceding 13.

Team News

Bochum have a relatively healthy squad, though forward Myron Boadu remains out with a hip injury until January. Koji Miyoshi and Gerrit Holtmann are likely to support striker Philipp Hofmann in the attacking setup, with Matus Bero and Ibrahima Sissoko occupying the midfield.

At the back, Bochum are expected to line up with a trio of Jakov Medic, Ivan Ordets, and Bernardo in front of goalkeeper Patrick Drewes.