Prediction: Ajax vs Union Berlin

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: 888sport

The UEFA Europa League is back in our lives as we rapidly approach the play-off round of the competition. With sides from the Champions League hoping to launch themselves into the round of 16, this serves as an interesting new format to ensure that there’s an even greater benefit to winning your group instead of coming 2nd. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be a really fun clash between Ajax and Union Berlin.

Ajax

It’s been four years since Ajax were just seconds away from the Champions League final and now, they find themselves in a very different spot. They are desperate to prove their relevance on the international stage and while their squad isn’t what it was in 2019, they seem to have a chip on their shoulder. Across all competitions, both domestic and Europe, we’re expecting a fierce end to the campaign.

Team News

Baas and Kaplan are both injured for this one with Bergwijn’s fitness set to be assessed before kick-off.

Union Berlin

After spending years out of the loop at the elite level in German football, Union Berlin are back. In addition to their insanely passionate fanbase, they also have a squad and a manager they can be proud of. Right now, they are pushing Bayern Munich harder than anyone in the Bundesliga title race – and they’ll be hoping to bring that same kind of energy across to the Europa League.

Team News

Schafer is out with a foot injury, meanwhile, Trimmel and Haberer are both suspended after picking up too many yellow cards.

Factors to Consider

• Ajax are 3rd in Eredivisie whereas Union are 2nd in Bundesliga.
• Ajax have won three and drawn three of their last six games.
• Union have won their last six games in all competitions.
• Ajax have scored 14 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• Union have scored 13 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’re expecting a really tense affair in front of what is bound to be an electric crowd in Amsterdam. It’ll wind up being the kind of game that belongs on the Champions League stage and next season, perhaps that will be the case. In this instance, though, Ajax will try and work their way through the middle with Union utilising their set pieces, with the visitors earning a draw that they can take back to Germany.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: 888sport