Bochum vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog

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Results have been mixed for Bochum in the first chunk of 2022. A stunning 4-2 victory over record champions Bayern Munich has been the highlight, though that's just one of three wins in nine league matches recorded by the promoted outfit since the turn of the year. Thomas Reis' side have posted three draws and as many losses in that time, most recently letting slip a 1-0 lead in defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt. A second successive season of Bundesliga football is firmly on the cards, however, with the Ruhr district club sitting in the relative comforts of 11th place, nine points clear of the relegation play-off spot, with eight rounds of fixtures remaining. Defenders Cristian Gamboa and Maxim Leitsch are touch and go for returns to the side, but long-range goal specialist Milos Pantovic is unavailable. Forward Christopher Antwi-Adjei, meanwhile, could nudge out Takuma Asano.

Gladbach make the one-hour road trip to Bochum buoyed by the return to first-team action of club captain Lars Stindl. The 33-year-old made his injury comeback as a second-half substiute in the Foals' comfortable 2-0 win at home to Hertha Berlin, and should feature at some point on Matchday 27. Defender Nico Elvedi joins top scorer Jonas Hofmann on the sidelines, but Ramy Bensebaini is available to head coach Adi Hütter again following a one-match suspension. The Algerian is expected to unseat Luca Netz on the left-hand side, with Stefan Lainer vying for USA international Joe Scally's place on the opposite flank. Marvin Friedrich should assume the Elvedi role alongside Jordan Beyer and Ginter, who joined the in-form Alassane Plea on the scoresheet against Hertha. Borussia begin the weekend in 13th, two points behind their hosts.

Match stats

Sebastian Polter is set to make his 90th Bundesliga appearance. He's scored 17 top-flight goals, including eight this season.

Encouragement for Bochum: Fortuna Düsseldorf's class of 2012/13 are the only Bundesliga team in history to go down after holding a nine-point cushion on the relegation zone with eight rounds of fixtures to play.

VfL are unbeaten in their last nine Bundesliga home games against Gladbach, dating back to a 2-0 loss on 25 March 1995.

Ginter is set to make his 175th competitive appearance as a Gladbach player. The Germany international will call time on a five-year stint at the club this summer.

Plea has had a direct hand in seven goals (thee of his own, four assists) across the last six matchdays. Only RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku has fared betted (eight).

Gladbach have conceded at least once in their last 17 away Bundesliga matches in a row - their longest run without a shut-out for 18 years.

Probable line-ups

Bochum: Riemann - Bockhorn, Bella-Kotchap, Masovic, Stafylidis - Löwen, Losilla (c), Rexhbecaj - Antwi-Adjei, Polter, Holtmann

Out: Blum (calf), Gamboa (not included), Pantovic (not included), Tesche (not included), Zoller (knee)

Doubtful: Leitsch (not included), Locadia (hip), Soares (not included)

Coach: Thomas Reis

Gladbach: Sommer (c) - Ginter, Friedrich, Beyer - Lainer, Neuhaus, Kone, Bensebaini - Plea, Embolo - Thuram

Out: Doucoure (muscular), Elvedi (not included), Hofmann (muscular)

Doubtful: -

Coach: Adi Hütter