Record against Bochum
Overall: 72 games, 37 wins, 18 draws, 17 defeats, 128:89 goal difference
In Bundesliga 2: 2 games, 0 wins, 2 draws, 0 defeats, 2:2 goal difference
Looking back
The last meeting between VfB and VfL in March 2017 ended in a 1-1 draw. Bochum took an early lead, but the Cannstatt boys earned themselves a share of the spoils in the second half.
Familiar faces
Midfielder Atakan Karazor, who played for Bochum’s youth team between 2012 and 2015, faces his former club on Monday evening. VfL forward Simon Zoller, 28, is also up against a club he represented at youth level, having spent two years with VfB’s academy before joining SSV Ulm in 2007.
Bochum defender Stefano Celozzi also made 30 league appearances for VfB between 2009 and 2012, while VfB goalkeeping coach Uwe Gospodarek was under contract at VfL from 1995 until 1998.
Home comforts
VfB have not lost at home to VfL since May 1987, winning 15 and drawing six of the 21 matches since. Stuttgart are also on a five-game unbeaten run at the Mercedes-Benz Arena (W4, D1) stretching back to last season.
Top of the pile
Tim Walter’s charges have recorded more possession (70 per cent) and won more challenges (55 per cent) than any other Bundesliga 2 side this season.