Overview
Dortmund's strong start to the 2024-25 season came to an abrupt end in the fourth round of the Bundesliga when they lost to Stuttgart, a match in which Dortmund were completely outclassed by last season's Bundesliga runners-up.
Coach Nuri Sahin admitted that it was a poor performance from his team and did not want the same thing to happen. This result left Dortmund 5 points behind leaders Bayern Munich, having conceded 7 goals in just the last 2 matches.
Overall, Dortmund have won their last five home games in the Bundesliga, by an aggregate score of 15-3. However, in their previous four games, they have won just once and lost twice at Signal Iduna Park.
Meanwhile, Bochum come into this match having picked up their first points of the new season, having drawn 2-2 at home to Holstein Kiel. The point also helped coach Peter Zeidler's team end a run of three consecutive defeats in the league.
In the Bundesliga this season, Bochum is the team that has conceded the most goals, created the fewest chances and had the fewest touches in the opponent's penalty area.
Bochum have lost 11, drawn three and won just two of their last 16 Bundesliga games, including five defeats in their last six.
Their away form is also worrying as they have lost 26, drawn 7 and won just 4 of their last 37 matches.
Although Dortmund were recently defeated by Stuttgart, they are unlikely to drop points at home against a relegation-threatened side like Bochum.
Furthermore, given Bochum's alarming away record and poor defence, it would be no surprise if Dortmund score plenty of goals.
Human resources situation
The hosts will definitely be without the services of Giovanni Reyna and Felix Nmecha, both of whom are expected to be absent until early and late October respectively.
Defenders Ramy Bensebaini and Julian Ryerson are also on the mend.
On the other side of the front line, Bochum will be without defender Bernardo until early October, while Ivan Ordets is still nursing a shoulder injury and is unlikely to play.
With a point against Holstein Kiel, Zeidler can keep his midfield intact, with Dani de Wit, Ibrahima Sissoko and Matus Bero. In defence, Tim Oermann can replace Erhan Masovic.
Expected lineup:
Dortmund: Kobel, Couto, Anton, Sule, Schlotterbeck, Sabitzer, Can, Adeyemi, Brandt, Gittens, Guirassy.
Bochum: Drewes, Passlack, Medic, Oermann, Wittek, De Wit, Sissoko, Bero, Daschner, Boadu, Hofmann.
The match between Dortmund and Bochum takes place at 1:30 a.m. on September 28 (Vietnam time).
