Form and context

Bochum are in deep trouble: two wins from eight league games, seven points and 16th place, the relegation play-off spot, after three straight defeats. Wolfsburg arrive in good spirits, unbeaten in three and up to third. Friday's game at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion is being framed as a possible decider for Bochum coach Uwe Rösler.

Team news

• VfL Bochum: Enis Cokaj has returned to parts of team training after a muscle injury but a start against Wolfsburg is likely too soon. Gerrit Holtmann missed Monday with a hand injury and was set to return to training with a splint.
• VfL Wolfsburg: According to WAZ, Wellenreuter, Bernhardsson and Glatzel were absent at the start of the week but should be fit by Friday evening. No confirmed starting line-up yet.

What the numbers say

• Bochum have scored just five goals in eight league games, the least potent attack in the division.
• Wolfsburg are unbeaten in three and sit third.
• Bochum's last five in all competitions: 0-2 at Kaiserslautern, 0-1 to Arminia Bielefeld, 1-2 at Hannover, 1-1 against Greuther Fürth and a 2-1 win at Dynamo Dresden.
• Wolfsburg's last five in all competitions: 3-1 against Heidenheim, 4-4 at Nürnberg, 5-1 against Darmstadt, 0-1 at St. Pauli and 4-4 against Energie Cottbus.

Our view

Bochum's lack of goals is the central problem, and Wolfsburg's recent run gives them the edge in confidence. The hosts will need far more bite than in their last two defeats to trouble a side pushing for the top two.

Most likely outcome: away win - Wolfsburg's unbeaten run against Bochum's blunt attack points that way.