FIRST TEAM
02/12/2010

Ba joins squad for Bochum match

1899 Hoffenheim will go head-to-head with Bochum on Saturday (13.02.2010, 15:30 CET) in the Rewirpower-Stadion.

Following the away match in Schalke two weeks ago this will be the second trip for Hoffenheim to North Rhine-Westphalia. "We have to look ahead after the disappointing result in the DFB Cup on Tuesday. We want to continue the good trend against Bochum," said coach Ralf Rangnick, whose team is now able to direct all their concentration on the Bundesliga following their DFB Cup exit.

Simunic anniversary in danger

Whether Simunic will part of the squad that travels to Bochum will be decided after the final training session on Friday. The 31-year-old, who would celebrate his 250th Bundesliga appearance on Saturday, is still dealing with a calf problem. The availability of Franco Zuculini (bruised knee) is also questionable. Demba Ba and Marvin Compper on the other hand, were able to participate in the recent training sessions and will be in the squad for the Bochum match.

Bochum struggles at home

1899 have experienced good fortune in the Rewirpower-Stadion. Last season they obtained a 3-1 away victory. The team of Heiko Herrlich have failed to win a game at home since matchday 3. Luiz Gustavo is convinced that Bochum will not be able to end this trend on Saturday. "We have to deliver a good performance and then we can win in Bochum," said the Brazilian midfielder. During the previous three encounters with Bochum, a total of ten goals were scored. Bookings were handed out even more frequently: Twelve yellow cards (9x Bochum, 3x Hoffenheim), one yellow-red card (Bochum) and two red cards (Hoffenheim).

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