Prediction: Union Berlin vs Ajax

Prediction: Union Berlin win

Best Odds: 6/5

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 Union Berlin and Ajax.

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, if not greater, across to the Europa League.

Team News

Leite is the only fitness concern after missing out over the weekend due to an illness.

Ajax

It’s been four years since Ajax were just moments 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 really strong end to the campaign.

Team News

Baas and Kaplan have both been ruled out through injury with Sanchez being listed as a fitness concern.

Factors to Consider

• Union and Ajax drew the first leg 0-0 last week.
• Union have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Ajax have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Union have scored eight goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Ajax have scored 17 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

Despite the goalscoring prowess of Ajax in recent weeks, the level of opposition isn’t quite up to scratch in comparison with title-chasing Union Berlin. The German side may not have the advantage from a quality standpoint but in big games, we just think they want it a bit more than their opponents, who have been to the dance many times before. We’re going for a 2-1 win for Union, with the winner coming late in the day.

Prediction: Union Berlin win

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: 888sport