The second leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between Ajax (Netherlands) and Union (Belgium) will take place on February 20 at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. The first match ended with a 2-0 victory for Ajax. Ajax vs. Union: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Ajax
The Dutch team defeated Union 2-0 in the first match. Notably, Francesco Farioli's side kept a clean sheet for the first time in their last five Europa League games. In the second leg, Ajax can afford to lose by a minimal margin. However, during the group stage, the team experienced a series of three defeats, two of which were by a two-goal margin. A repeat of such an outcome would lead to extra time.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 5 of Ajax's last 7 Europa League matches.
- The club has won 6 of their last 8 home games in this tournament (2 losses).
- Ajax has not conceded more than one goal in 7 of their last 8 home matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Ajax (4-3-3)
Remko Pasveer – Youri Baas, Daniele Rugani, Lucas Rosa, Jorrel Hato – Kian Fitz-Jim, Davy Klaassen, Jorrit Mokio – Kristian Rasmussen, Oliver Edvardsen, Steven Berghuis.
Striker Wout Weghorst and midfielders Jordan Henderson and Branco van den Boomen are sidelined due to injury.
Union
Sebastien Pocognoli's side suffered their second consecutive Europa League defeat after an unbeaten run of four matches in this tournament (3 wins, 1 draw). Until the last game, the Belgians had scored in six consecutive matches in this tournament. In the second leg, Union needs to win by at least a two-goal margin in regular time. However, they have not won by more than one goal in 16 consecutive matches in this tournament.
- In 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches, the Belgians conceded first.
- The club has not won in 6 of their last 7 away Europa League matches (1 draw, 5 losses).
- Union has not scored more than one goal in their last 9 away matches in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for Union (4-3-3)
Anthony Moris – Fedde Leysen, Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess, Noah Sadiki – Anouar Ait El Hadj, Anan Khalaili, Charles Vanhoutte – Promise Akinpelu, Franjo Ivanovic, Ousseni Nyang.
Midfielder Alessio Castro Montes is injured.
Referee
Chris Kavanagh (England)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 43;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 0%.
Ajax vs. Union: Match Prediction
The Dutch team secured a comfortable advantage in the first match, which they need to maintain calmly. Given their results at home in the Europa League, this task does not seem difficult. Ajax has won 6 of their last 8 home matches in this tournament, and one of the losses was by a minimal margin, which would be acceptable now. However, Francesco Farioli's side will be keen to impress at home. Notably, the club has scored 15 goals in their last five Europa League matches at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The Belgians need to push forward, exposing their not-so-reliable defense. Union has conceded in 5 of their last 7 away Europa League matches. During this period, they have managed just one win (1 draw, 5 losses). These factors do not favor Sebastien Pocognoli's side. My prediction: Ajax will not lose and Total Over 1.5 goals
