VfL Bochum has been able to rely on many of its talented players recently. This will also be necessary in Braunschweig, as several established players are unavailable—on both sides.

With Kevin Vogt, Ibrahima Sissoko, and captain Matus Bero missing, VfL Bochum will be without three experienced players who are supposed to lead the young VfL squad in Sunday’s second division basement battle at Eintracht Braunschweig (1:30 p.m.).

But despite the absence of the trio, VfL is traveling to Braunschweig full of confidence and with around 2,500 Bochum fans behind them. This is because many of Bochum’s talents have recently been able to break free.

With Leandro Morgalla (21), Cajetan Lenz (19), Mats Pannewig (21), Farid Alfa-Ruprecht (19), Kjell Wätjen (19), and Francis Onyeka (18), six players aged 21 or younger were in the starting lineup for the match against Magdeburg.

And Bochum’s young guns are also responsible for the fact that the team has won three of its last four games (including the cup). This streak is now set to continue in Braunschweig. The opponent is struggling at the bottom of the table, with coach Heiner Backhaus reportedly already under pressure.

Ahead of Sunday’s 90 minutes, Bochum coach Uwe Rösler explained: “Mathis Clairicia took a blow to the ankle, so it will be tight for the weekend. Farid Alfa-Ruprecht was also injured, but he will be fit to play.”

Looking at the opposition, Rösler knows what his team can expect and what will be important. “Braunschweig has a similar approach. They try to play relatively high up the pitch and take the wind out of their opponents’ sails. We have trained a lot in terms of our football. The approach remains that we need to improve in that area. But we mustn’t forget other aspects such as passion, sprinting ability, and box defense.“

While VfL has to replace five players, Eintracht is missing seven, including regulars such as Mehmet Aydin, Lukas Frenkert, Erencan Yardimci, and Kevin Ehlers. Rösler: ”We have to try to capitalize on that.”

This is how VfL Bochum could line up against Eintracht Braunschweig

Horn – Morgalla, Loosli, Strompf, Wittek – Lenz, Pannewig – Alfa-Ruprecht, Wätjen, Holtmann – Onyeka

Missing: Bero (5th yellow card), Ibrahima Sissoko (rehab), Ibrahima Sissoko (rehab training), Vogt (knee surgery), Clairicia (ankle injury)

Suspensions looming: Morgalla, Pannewig