Bochum vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach
Bochum, eager to secure their first points of the season, host Borussia Mönchengladbach in a high-stakes clash this Saturday, hoping to overcome their defensive woes and shake off memories of last season's struggles.
VfL Bochum 1848
Having survived the relegation scare last season with a penalty shoot-out win over Fortuna Düsseldorf in the playoffs, Bochum hope to avoid a similar situation this year. However, Die Unabsteigbaren kicked off the new campaign with a 1-0 defeat away at Leipzig, making it four straight seasons they have lost their opening match.
Despite the defeat, head coach Peter Zeidler, who took over the role in the summer, was pleased with his side's performance. "We can still take a few good things with us and are now looking forward to our first home game," he said. Bochum welcome Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday, hoping to quickly end the wait for their first win of the new BL campaign.
Last season, Die Unabsteigbaren set a new club record for the worst start, going winless in their first nine matches. Their home form was equally disappointing, as they failed to win any of their first five home games, another negative milestone.
Bochum's defence, which was a major weakness last season, will need to improve against Mönchengladbach. The club conceded more goals than any other Bundesliga team except relegated Darmstadt 98.
A 4-1-2-1-2 with Philipp Hofmann and Moritz Broschinski in attack is expected against Mönchengladbach on Saturday. Goalkeeper Manuel Riemann is temporarily suspended by the club and will not be part of the squad.
Borussia Mönchengladbach
New signing Tim Kleindienst was on the scoresheet as Mönchengladbach came back from two goals down against reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen, before conceding again in the closing minutes to lose 3-2.
Mönchengladbach can build on their strong start, according to new signing Kevin Stöger, who is excited to take on his former club, Bochum, this weekend. "We played a good game. If we look at our performance, we don't have much to reproach ourselves for," he said.
"From my time there, I know how Bochum ticks and can definitely give our coaching team a bit of information. I think we are well prepared for the game," he added.
Mönchengladbach have won their last three Bundesliga encounters against the hosts, their longest ongoing winning run against any current top-flight side. However, Gladbach have the fewest wins of all Bundesliga teams this year, while they conceded the third-most goals last season.
Gerardo Seoane is expected to deploy a 4-3-2-1 formation with Kleindienst in attack for this clash.
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