Soccer Germany Bundesliga Prediction

Hertha Berlin vs Bochum - Match Preview

⚽ 20 May 2023 - 13:30 GMT +0

Amidst a backdrop of bleak financial struggles described as “the worst case we’ve ever had” by the DFL, Hertha Berlin finds themselves on the brink both on and off the pitch after a 5-2 defeat to Cologne in the previous round left the side of the capital just one game away from relegation. Anything short of victory here will see the Berliners relegated ahead of the final round, and even with maximum points, they would still need a multitude of results to go their way.

Even if they somehow avoid relegation, there’s a possibility that the club could face a much worse fate due to their off-pitch issues. The re-appointment of Pál Dárdai as Hertha manager has done little to soothe their on-field woes (W1, L3) as the club legend stated that there was “defensively nothing at all” after his side conceded their 12th goal in his short four-game reign so far.

Visitors Bochum are in a much more stable position off the pitch, but are also embroiled in the relegation battle. Entering this round just one point above the drop zone, Bochum could still actually be caught by Hertha if they lose their final two games whilst Hertha wins both of theirs. For now, at least, Bochum’s fate rests firmly in their own hands.

The visitors may travel with cautious optimism after ending a six-game winless run to escape the bottom three with a 3-2 win over Augsburg last weekend. That secured Bochum’s first winning league double over any side this season and they could make it two here after defeating Hertha Berlin 3-1 earlier in the campaign, yet that remains their only win against sides beginning the round below them (W1, L4).

📋 Players to watch: Only three Bundesliga players have scored a higher portion of his team goals than Hertha’s Dodi Lukébakio (G11 - 28%) ahead of this round, yet his contributions in his last two appearances were assists. Bochum’s unlikely hero is 37-year-old midfielder Anthony Losilla, who has matched his Bundesliga goal tally from last season with two goals across his last three appearances.

⚡ Hot stat: Hertha Berlin has won three of their four league games as pre-match favourites this season (W3, L1).