Prediction: Bayern Munich vs Bochum

Verdict: Bayern Munich to score in both halves

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Bundesliga table, Bayern Munich will welcome Bochum to the Allianz Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Bayern Munich

Starting with the hosts, managing to make a much-needed return to winning ways last weekend as they claimed an action-packed 4-2 victory away at Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich are now seeking some crucial stability. However, while the defending Bundesliga champions might have extended on their DFP Pokal adventure on February 1st as they cruised their way to a 4-0 romp against Mainz, they find themselves in an almighty title tussle. Although Julian Nagelsmann’s superstars might have opened the 2022/23 campaign tipped as a landside pick to defend their domestic crown, Bayern shockingly hold just a one-point buffer over the chasing pack. With a high-flying Union Berlin now breathing firmly down their neck, Saturday’s hosts have had to settle for a single point in three of their previous four Bundesliga matchups. Looking to avoid a major banana skin this weekend, Bayern are seeking some clear defensive resolve. In fact, Nagelsmann’s side have recorded just a sole top-flight clean sheet from their last eight attempts.

Team News

Sent off in last weekend’s 4-2 victory away at Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich will be without midfield talisman Joshua Kimmich on Saturday afternoon as the 28-year-old serves a suspension.

Likewise, the German champions have already confirmed that the quartet of Sadio Mane, Lucas Hernandez, Manuel Neuer and Noussair Mazraoui will once again miss out at the Allianz Arena.

Bochum

As for the visitors, while Bochum might have opened February with a real statement as they claimed a 5-2 romp at home against Hoffenheim, Thomas Letsch’s men came crashing back down to earth in midweek. Eventually crashing out of this year’s DFP Pokal thanks to a 2-1 defeat at home against Borussia Dortmund, the Blues have now lost three of their last four domestic contests. Although the former Austria Wien boss might have seen his side cruise their way to Bundesliga safety last season, Saturday’s guests are firmly looking over their shoulder this time around. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures holding just a three-point buffer from slipping into the relegation play-off place, Bochum are tipped as a leading bottom-three contender in 2023. A huge part of Letsch’s issues this season have come down to their nightmare run of form away from the Vonovia-Ruhrstadion. Remarkably, the Blues have lost nine of their 10 Bundesliga away fixtures on either side of the World Cup break.

Team News

Aside from once again missing the trio of Cristian Gamboa, Michael Esser and Paul Grave this weekend, Bochum have reported a clean bill of health ahead of their trip to Munich.

Recording three Bundesliga strikes since returning from the World Cup’s winter break, 29-year-old Philipp Hofmann will spearhead Letsch’s charge at the Allianz Arena.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off for their reverse meeting on August 21st, Bayern Munich picked up a remarkable 7-0 romp at the Vonovia-Ruhrstadion.
• Likewise, the last time Bochum visited the Allianz Arena back in September 2021, they were hit with another thumping 7-0 defeat.
• Bayern have recorded just a single clean sheet in any of their previous eight Bundesliga appearances.
• Bochum have lost nine of their 10 Bundesliga fixtures so far this season.
• Likewise, Saturday’s guests have also lost three of their previous four domestic matchups across all formats.

Conclusion

While Bayern Munich might have shown some extended inconsistencies since returning from the World Cup break, they will be smelling a golden chance here. Breezing their way to a remarkable 7-0 romp when they traveled to the Vonovia-Ruhrstadion back in August, it is no surprise that the defending champions are tipped as a landslide pick here. Coming off the back of an action-packed 4-2 victory away at Wolfsburg, Nagelsmann’s will be looking to cash in on a Bochum squad who have continued to show a string of issues on the road. Remarkably losing nine of their Bundesliga away contests this season, it is hard to see anything other than a home victory here.

Verdict: Bayern Munich to score in both halves

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Unibet