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 team had a slow start to the tournament: the Belgians failed to win in their first four matches (2 draws, 2 losses), but a subsequent three-match winning streak kept the club in contention for the playoffs, where Union found themselves despite a defeat in the final round. Notably, the team scored only 8 goals – the worst result among all playoff participants. In the previous Europa League campaign, the Belgians finished third in their group and did not advance to the playoffs.
Defender Ross Sykes and head coach Sebastien Pocognoli are suspended. Midfielder Alessio Castro-Montes is injured. Forward Sofiane Boufal returns from injury.
- In 6 of their last 7 Europa League games, Union has not conceded more than one goal.
- At home in this tournament, the club is unbeaten in 8 matches (5 wins, 3 draws).
- The number "1" has 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 Niang – Mohammed Fuseini, Franjo Ivanovic, Anan Khalaili.
Ajax
The Dutch team, on the other hand, started the main stage confidently, winning three of their first four matches (1 draw). However, they could not remain among the top eight until the end of the main round due to three subsequent defeats. Ultimately, Francesco Farioli's side finished 12th, although only three clubs scored more goals than Ajax. In the previous Europa League, the Dutch did not advance past the group stage.
Injured players include forward Wout Weghorst and midfielders Jordan Henderson and Branco van den Boomen.
- In 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches, the team conceded goals.
- 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 Goeij, Josip Sutalo, Jorrel Hato – Kenneth Taylor, Jordan Henderson, Kian Fitz-Jim – Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts.
Referee
Donatas Rumsas (Lithuania)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 24;
Average yellow cards per match – 3;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 25%.
Union vs. Ajax: Match Prediction
The Dutch league is renowned for its high-scoring games. The Belgians, in turn, strive to keep pace. I believe this head-to-head clash between teams from these countries will delight us with goals.
Yes, Sebastien Pocognoli's side scored only 8 times in the group stage, but they regularly found the net, scoring in 6 of 8 matches. Defensively, Union did not perform well and managed only two clean sheets. Additionally, both teams scored in 6 of Union's last 7 home Europa League matches.
Ajax had a similar experience in the main stage: 6 matches with goals, but one more clean sheet. It's important to note that the Dutch team kept three opponents scoreless, who did not advance to the playoffs. However, away in the Europa League, the team conceded in 11 of their last 13 matches.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
