At the moment, the two teams are only one point separating each other, and this game will be crucial for both sides in the relegation situation.
After Wolfsburg's defeat to Augsburg in mid-March, head coach Mateo Kovac stepped down and Hassenhuttl took over. The team beat Werder Bremen 2-0 in their opening game under Ralph Ralchenhuttl, but then lost to Borussia Mönchenchen and Leipzig in quick succession, showing that the road to relegation is still difficult.
At present, Wolfsburg is six points ahead of Cologne, who are directly relegated from the relegation zone, but only two points more than Mainz, who are in the relegation play-off zone. Mainz have been in fine form of late and could return to the relegation zone if Wolfsburg continue to lose this game.
In addition, Wolfsburg have suffered three consecutive defeats at home since beating Leipzig 2-1 at home in November. The remaining two home games of the season will be against Darmstadt and Mainz respectively, and the pressure of relegation will be evident.
Since their shock defeat to Bayern Munich in February, Bochum have gone seven games without a win, losing five of them. The new head coach Buchtl hopes to lead the team out of the difficult situation.
However, Bochum's away record is just as poor, with just one win on the road this season. Facing Wolfsburg, who have won against them in recent years, Bochum's relegation prospects are not optimistic.
Injuries and illnesses on both sides
Wolfsburg defender Jentz is suspended for accumulating yellow cards, while goalkeeper Castles and striker Nmecha are both injured. Bochum have as many as four injured players, with main midfielder Stog and striker Takuma Asano shouldering the heavy lifting of the team's attack.
We expect that VfL Wolfsburg 2-1 Bochum
Although Wolfsburg have not been in good form of late, they have a clear psychological advantage against Bochum. Coupled with Bochum's poor away record, we prefer Wolfsburg to pick up three points at home.