One of the key fixtures in the upcoming match schedule, the clash between Bochum and Heidenheim, is set to clarify the standings of the teams lingering at the bottom of the table. While the club from the Ruhr region riskS relegation from the top flight as early as March, the UEFA Europa Conference League's representative has potential for a top-10 finish.
Following the November international break, Bochum have managed to capture just one point out of a possible 12 in the Bundesliga, scoring only once across four rounds. They have the fewest goals in the league, tied with St. Pauli (both on 11), but St. Pauli have better shooting efficiency (16.70 xG vs 14.99 xG). In the upcoming match, Bochum will be without Mergim Mavraj due to suspension, limiting their attacking threat.
On Thursday, Heidenheim ended a sequence of seven straight defeats, which began in early November. Interestingly, during this stretch, they failed to score only twice, and the club's management has complete trust in Frank Schmidt as he seeks to navigate them through these challenging times. Away from home, the team from the Conference League have netted 12 times in seven Bundesliga fixtures—the best record in the bottom half of the table.
The resilient Heidenheim side are expected to take the initiative and force Bochum into errors. We believe the main underdogs of the German championship will once again be left without a victory come Sunday.
