The DFB-Pokal continues with an intriguing clash on Wednesday, December 3, as VfL Bochum host VfB Stuttgart at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. The match pits a second-division side against a Bundesliga contender, promising a fascinating battle between ambition and resilience. Stuttgart enter as the reigning cup holders, while Bochum look to extend their recent resurgence and make the most of home advantage in front of their supporters.

VfL Bochum’s Recent Form and Key Stats

After a disastrous start to their 2. Bundesliga campaign, Bochum have finally found their rhythm. The team has collected four wins in their last five matches, scoring an average of 1.8 goals per game while conceding just 0.4. Their most recent outing, a commanding 3-0 victory over Greuther Fürth on November 29, served as the perfect confidence boost ahead of this cup tie. Defensively, the side has tightened up considerably, keeping clean sheets in three of their last four fixtures.

In the DFB-Pokal, Bochum’s journey has been steady. They edged past BFC Dynamo 3-1 after extra time in the first round and followed that up with a narrow 1-0 win over Augsburg. Historically, the competition has brought mixed fortunes for the club: while they have reached the quarterfinals on several occasions, early exits have also been common in recent years. Still, the memory of their 2-0 win over Stuttgart in the 2014 edition at this very ground could serve as inspiration.

Bochum’s home form remains unpredictable. Despite their recent improvement, they have lost at half time in seven of their last eleven home matches. Injuries could also play a role, with Matus Bero sidelined due to an ankle problem and Kevin Vogt still recovering from surgery. Up front, Gerrit Holtmann has been the standout performer, leading the scoring charts with five goals across all competitions, including one in the cup.

VfB Stuttgart’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Stuttgart arrive as the defending champions and one of the most consistent sides in the DFB-Pokal in recent years, having reached at least the quarterfinals in each of the past three seasons. However, their away form remains a concern. The Swabians have conceded 14 goals in seven away matches in the Bundesliga, winning only twice on the road. Their latest league outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Hamburger SV on November 30, a result that exposed their defensive fragility away from home.

In the cup, Stuttgart’s campaign began with a nervy penalty shootout win over Eintracht Braunschweig, followed by a solid 2-0 victory at Mainz. Notably, they have scored in the first half of both their cup fixtures, reflecting their ability to start games strongly. The team’s attacking record remains impressive, averaging 2.6 goals scored per match over their last five outings, while conceding 1.4 on average.

Injuries, however, could complicate matters for coach Sebastian Hoeneß. Ermedin Demirovic and Tiago Tomas are expected to miss out, while doubts linger over Dan-Axel Zagadou and Luca Jaquez. Chris Führich was forced off in Hamburg and is unlikely to feature. As a result, much of the attacking responsibility will fall on Deniz Undav, who has been in fine form and continues to deliver crucial goals for the team.

Despite their away struggles, Stuttgart’s pedigree in the competition cannot be ignored. They have scored in each of their last 16 DFB-Pokal matches and have not lost at half time in their last 13 appearances in the tournament. Their attacking consistency, combined with Bochum’s recent improvement, sets the stage for a lively encounter.

VfL Bochum vs VfB Stuttgart Prediction and Tactical Overview

This DFB-Pokal tie promises to be far from one-sided. While Stuttgart are the favorites on paper, their vulnerability away from home and a growing injury list could make this a tricky test. Bochum, buoyed by recent form and home support, will look to exploit any defensive lapses and continue their revival under pressure. The hosts’ defensive discipline has improved, but facing a side that has scored in every cup match for over a year will be a stern challenge.

Historically, this fixture has favored Stuttgart, who have won four of the last five meetings, including a 4-0 triumph in April 2025. However, Bochum’s resilience and the unpredictability of knockout football mean an upset cannot be ruled out. Both teams possess attacking threats capable of finding the net, and given their respective scoring trends, a high-tempo, open contest appears likely.

Expect Bochum to rely on quick transitions and set pieces, while Stuttgart will aim to control possession and press high. The visitors’ ability to strike early could be decisive, but Bochum’s recent defensive solidity suggests they will not go down easily. With both sides showing attacking intent and defensive vulnerabilities, goals at both ends seem a realistic scenario.

VfL Bochum vs VfB Stuttgart prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 65% probability.