Preview: Bayer Leverkusen vs Bochum | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to close the gap at the top of the table to just three points when they take on Bochum on Friday evening at BayArena.

Xabi Alonso’s side remain in second place but are now just six points behind Bayern Munich at the top of the table and now have the chance to put the pressure on and close the gap before Bayern take on St Pauli on Saturday.

Before the international break, Leverkusen beat Stuttgart 4-3 whilst Bayern could only manage a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin.

It was another great comeback by Leverkusen as they were trailing 2-0, but they were able to recover and get the win through a Patrik Schick stoppage time winner.

However before this, Leverkusen were defeated by Bayern Munich 5-0 across two legs in the Champions League round of 16.

Defensive stability will have to improve as they have now conceded 10 goals in their last four matches.

Bochum are coming off the back of a 3-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt and currently occupy the relegation play off place in 16th.

They are now five points adrift of 15th placed St Pauli and are only one point ahead of 17th placed Heidenheim.

The last time these two sides met, Dieter Hecking’s side came away with a 1-1 draw, which is something that his side can take confidence from.

Bochum have had mixed form recently but have beaten Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund within their last six fixtures.

Team News

Leverkusen are currently suffering with many injuries including problems with defenders Edmond Tapsoba, Jeanuel Belocian and Mario Hermoso who are all unavailable.

Forwards Florian Wirtz, Martin Terrier and Nathan Tella are also unavailable due to injury.

As for Bochum, centre-back Bernardo and winger Koji Miyoshi will not be available due to injury.

GGFN | Matthew Gritton