Hoffenheim vs. Bochum: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

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Hoffenheim had won four on the spin before holding reigning champions Bayern Munich and falling to a surprise defeat at the hands of struggling Hertha Berlin prior to the international break. Despite that loss, they go into Matchday 28 in sixth place and well positioned to earn a European spot. They're just one point back from RB Leipzig in fourth and victory over Bochum could even move them to within a point of third-placed Bayer Leverkusen. Coach Sebastian Hoeneß has had good news in recent weeks with long-term absentee Ermin Bicakcic and Robert Skov both back on the training ground, although neither is ready to return just yet. Meanwhile, David Raum's superb domestic form translated onto the international stage as he helped Germany to victory over Israel on his home ground at the weekend and his next task is to supply Kramaric with some ammunition in attack. Meanwhile, captain Benjamin Hübner is labouring with a back injury and could also miss out.

As for Bochum, they've lost each of their last two Bundesliga matches - including the abandoned meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Matchday 27 - and three of their last four to leave Thomas Reis' men just six points clear of the promotion/relegation play-off place. It means Bochum aren't quite out of the woods just yet. Their cause hasn't been helped by illnesses, with Christian Gamboa, Maxim Leitsch, Milos Pantovic and Robert Tesche all missing out against the Foals. The international breather has given them the chance to isolate and recover, though, and all four could return to the side if given the all clear. Leitsch's return is particularly timely given that Armel Bella-Kotchap is sidelined through suspension for the trip to Hoffenheim.

Match stats

Kramaric is Hoffenheim's record Bundesliga scorer with 86 goals in 185 games. However, with four goals after 27 matches, this could be the first of his six full seasons at the club that he doesn't hit double figures for goals.

Hoeneß will oversee his 75th competitive match in charge of Hoffenheim. His record reads W32, D17, L25, with a points-per-game ratio of 1.53. That's equal to predecessor Julian Nagelsmann's average over his 136 matches at the helm.

Hoffenheim lead two statistical categories so far in 2021/22: most shots against the woodwork (17) and yellow cards (60).

Polter has scored half of his team-leading eight Bundesliga goals in 2021/22 away from home.

Bochum have claimed eight points on the road compared to 25 away. Only at Mainz is there a greater discrepancy (30 points at home compared to seven away).

Not safe yet: promoted Alemannia Aachen had 33 points at this stage in 2006/07 - which is one more than Bochum - but still suffered automatic relegation.

Probable line-ups

Hoffenheim: Baumann (c) - Akpoguma, Grillitsch, Vogt - Kaderabek, Samassekou, Geiger, Raum - Baumgartner - Bebou, Kramaric

Out: Bicakcic (knee), Posch (not included), Skov (thigh)

Doubtful: Hübner (match fitness), Stiller (knock)

Coach: Sebastian Hoeneß

Bochum: Riemann - Gamboa, Masovic, Lambropoulos, Soares - Löwen, Losilla (c), Rexhbecaj - Antwi-Adjei, Polter, Holtmann

Out: Bella-Kotchap (suspended), Locadia (hip)

Doubtful: Osterhage (not included), Pantovic (not included), Stafylidis (knee), Tesche (not included), Zoller (knee)

Coach: Thomas Reis

About the clubs VfL Bochum 1848

Vonovia Ruhrstadion

TSG Hoffenheim

PreZero Arena

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