1. FC Kaiserslautern – VfL Bochum

Kaiserslautern head into the clash on the back of a solid start to the campaign, sitting fifth with 11 points from three wins and two draws and a modest +1 goal difference. Bochum, meanwhile, occupy ninth place, having gathered seven points after two victories, one stalemate and three defeats, leaving them with a –1 goal margin. The hosts will look to extend their unbeaten run at home, while the visitors will be desperate to close the gap to the top half of the table. Their head‑to‑head this season has been tightly contested, and the result could prove pivotal for both sides as the race for European spots and survival tightens.