Leverkusen found themselves in a precarious position as they trailed 2-0 by the 48th minute and 3-1 by the 62nd minute during their encounter against Stuttgart. Nevertheless, a dramatic stoppage-time goal scored by Patrik Schick enabled them to stage a remarkable comeback and secure a victory that will be remembered for a long time.

This win carried significant weight for Xabi Alonso's team. The fact that Bayern Munich was held to a 1-1 draw by Union Berlin on March 15 made this victory even more crucial. It allowed Leverkusen to gain an edge in the race for the league title.

Nonetheless, the Spanish manager will surely be troubled by his team's defensive vulnerability. In their last four matches, they have conceded a staggering 10 goals, which is a cause for serious concern. Such defensive lapses could potentially derail their title ambitions.

With only eight games left in the Bundesliga season, it would be quite astonishing if the reigning champions were able to overtake the Bavarians and claim the title. However, a win on Friday would at least put additional pressure on their rivals and keep the title race alive.

Die Schwarzroten enter this clash in a rather poor run of form. In their past four matches across all competitions, they have suffered three defeats, and in three of those games, they failed to find the back of the net. Their lack of attacking potency and defensive solidity has been a major issue.

The home side has also struggled at their own ground recently. In their three most recent home fixtures, they have failed to secure a win, losing two of those matches. However, it's worth noting that they had an impressive record of winning each of their previous 10 games at BayArena before this slump.

Regarding Bochum, despite their defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, their offensive performance deserves some praise. They were able to create three big scoring opportunities and managed to take 14 shots from inside the box, indicating that they have the attacking capabilities to pose a threat to their opponents.

The visitors' position in the top flight is precarious considering they occupy the division's relegation playoff spot but are only one point above 17th-placed Heidenheim and three above 18th-placed Holstein Kiel, both of whom are set to be automatically relegated as things stand.

A win on Friday would take Die Blauen two points behind 15th-placed St Pauli, and head coach Dieter Hecking will take confidence from his side's previous clash against Leverkusen on November 9, a game in which they earned a point after drawing 1-1.

While Bochum are in mixed form having lost two, drawn two and won two of their past six in the Bundesliga, they emerged victorious against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in that period.

Hecking's team are unbeaten in their last three away from home in the top flight, drawing two and winning one, but they did succumb to defeat in 17 of their prior 20 on the road in the Bundesliga.

Leverkusen are dealing with several injury issues and will be without defenders Edmond Tapsoba, Jeanuel Belocian and Mario Hermoso, the latter of whom will not return this season.

Perhaps Nordi Mukiele, Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapie could be stationed in front of goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky in a back three.

Given that forwards Florian Wirtz, Martin Terrier and Nathan Tella are unavailable as a result of injury, Alonso may select Amine Adli, Aleix Garcia and Patrik Schick ahead of midfielders Granit Xhaka and Exequiel Palacios.

Bochum have contrastingly fewer injury issues, though centre-back Bernardo and winger Koji Miyoshi will not be in the matchday XI.

Expect Tim Oermann, Ivan Ordets and Jakov Medic to appear in central defence behind a trio of Matus Bero, Ibrahima Sissoko and Tom Krauss.

In the forward line, striker Gerrit Hofmann may be fielded alongside attacker Giorgos Masouras in a front two.

Bayer Leverkusen possible starting lineup:

Hradecky; Mukiele, Tah, Hincapie; Frimpong, Xhaka, Palacios, Grimaldo; Adli, Garcia; Schick

VfL Bochum possible starting lineup:

Horn; Oermann, Ordets, Medic; Passlack, Bero, Sissoko, Krauss, Wittek; Hofmann, Masouras