2. Bundesliga Topspiel preview: VfL Bochum vs. Hertha BSC | OneFootball

VfL Bochum

After a nightmare start to the campaign - just one win from their opening eight matches - Bochum find themselves languishing in 17th place, separated from the foot of the table only by goal difference. However, a new chapter begins this weekend as Uwe Rösler takes charge for the first time, tasked with sparking a turnaround and steering the club away from danger.

Before the international break, Bochum fell 3–2 away to Kaiserslautern under interim coach David Siebers. Despite the defeat, the performance showed signs of fight and resilience absent in previous outings under Dieter Hecking - qualities that will give Rösler encouragement as he begins his tenure.

Rösler spoke passionately ahead of his debut in the Bochum dugout: “I'm really looking forward to my first game as VfL coach on Saturday evening under floodlights. The spectators have to understand that we're in a relegation battle and can only get out of this situation as a community, on the pitch in connection with the fans. It's our responsibility to ignite the spark.”

One potential spark could be Francis Onyeka, the 18-year-old forward who returns from international duty brimming with confidence after netting six goals in three games for Germany U19s. Having made just two league starts so far, he could be handed a prominent role as Rösler seeks to inject energy and unpredictability into his attack.

Team news:

Koji Miyoshi, Kevin Vogt and Ibrahima Sissoko are sidelined through injury, while Caetjan Lenz serves a suspension. On the positive side, Moritz-Broni Kwarteng returns to the squad after recovering from injury.

Hertha BSC

It’s been a turbulent start for Stefan Leitl, whose position came under scrutiny early on, but Hertha have steadied the ship in recent weeks. After eight matches, the capital club sits in 8th place, slowly climbing the table as results begin to turn.

Before the break, Hertha picked up their first home win of the season, edging Preußen Münster 2–1 thanks to a brace from Sebastian Grønning, whose clinical display set the tone for an increasingly confident side. It was arguably the first time Die Alte Dame truly imposed themselves at home - and Leitl will be eager to see that same assertiveness this weekend on the road.

Saturday’s clash carries an added personal dimension as Leitl faces his former Unterhaching teammate Rösler. The Hertha coach warned of the challenge ahead: "It will be a very difficult away game. Bochum has new energy after a coaching change… A lot of challenges, a lot of emotions. We have to hold our own against them. It will be important to stick with us to get points - ideally three!"

This fixture also holds emotional weight for Hertha. The last meeting between these sides in 2023 ended in heartbreak, when a 94th-minute equaliser from Keven Schlotterbeck confirmed Hertha’s relegation to the 2. Bundesliga. Several players involved that day - including Marton Dardai and Tjark Ernst - will not have forgotten, and the desire for payback could add extra fire to Hertha’s performance.

Team news:

Deyo Zeefuik, Leon Jensen, Dawid Kownacki and Pascal Klemens are all out due to injury. Niklas Kolbe and John Brooks have returned to training but are not yet fully fit. Meanwhile, Diego Demme and Paul Seguin featured in a midweek friendly and are in contention for the matchday squad.

Predicted lineups

VfL Bochum (3-4-2-1): Horn (GK) - Morgalla, Masovic, Wittek - Koscierski, Bero, Wätjen, Holtmann - Onyeka, Pannewig - Hoffmann

Hertha BSC (4-2-3-1): Ernst (GK) - Gechter, Leistner, Dardai, Karbownik - Cuisance, Eichhorn - Reese, Thorsteinsson, Winkler - Grønning