The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League playoff between Union (Belgium) and Ajax (Netherlands) will take place on February 13 at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. Union vs. Ajax: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Union
Sebastien Pocognoli's side had a slow start to the tournament: the Belgians did not win in their first four matches (2 draws, 2 losses), but a subsequent three-game winning streak kept the club in contention for the playoffs, which they reached despite losing in the final round. Notably, the team scored only 8 goals, the lowest among all playoff participants. In the previous Europa League campaign, the Belgians finished third in their group and failed to advance to the playoffs of the tournament.
Defender Ross Sykes and head coach Sebastien Pocognoli are suspended.
- In 6 of their last 7 Europa League matches, Union has not conceded more than one goal.
- The club is unbeaten at home in this tournament for 8 matches (5 wins, 3 draws).
- The number "1" appeared in the final score in 6 of Union's last 7 home Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup for Union (3-4-3)
Anthony Moris – Fedde Leysen, Kevin Mac Allister, Ross Sykes – Kamil van de Perre, Noah Sadiki, Charles Vanhoutte, Ousseni Nyang – Mohammed Fuseini, Franjo Ivanovic, Anan Khalaili.
Ajax
The Dutch side, on the other hand, started the main stage confidently with three wins in four matches (1 draw). However, they could not remain in the top eight by the end of the main round due to three consecutive losses. Consequently, Francesco Farioli's team finished 12th, although only three clubs scored more than Ajax. In the previous Europa League campaign, the Dutch failed to advance from the group stage.
- In 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches, the team has conceded.
- Ajax has not lost in regular time in 11 of their last 14 matches in this tournament (10 wins, 1 draw).
- In 6 of their last 8 away Europa League games, the club scored at least one goal.
Predicted lineup for Ajax (4-3-3)
Remko Pasveer – Jurriën Timber, Anton Geay, Josip Sutalo, Jorrel Hato – Kenneth Taylor, Jordan Henderson, Kian Fitz-Jim – Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts.
Union vs. Ajax: Match Prediction
The Dutch league is always known for its high-scoring games. The Belgians, in turn, strive to keep up. I believe the head-to-head clash between teams from these countries will entertain us with goals.
Yes, Sebastien Pocognoli's side scored only 8 goals during the group stage, but they regularly found the net, scoring in 6 of 8 matches. Defensively, Union was not at their best, recording only two clean sheets. It's also worth mentioning that both teams scored in 6 of Union's last 7 home Europa League matches.
Ajax had a similar experience in the main stage: the same 6 matches with goals scored, but one more clean sheet. It's important to note that the Dutch shut out three opponents who failed to reach the playoffs. However, they conceded in 11 of their last 13 away Europa League matches.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
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