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 difficult start to the tournament: the Belgians failed to win in their first four matches (2 draws, 2 losses), but a subsequent series of three victories kept the club in contention for the playoffs, where Union found themselves despite losing 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 failed to progress to the playoffs.
- In 6 of their last 7 Europa League games, Union has not conceded more than one goal.
- At home, the club has not lost in this tournament for 8 matches (5 wins, 3 draws).
- The number "1" appeared in the final scoreline in 6 of Union's last 7 home matches in the Europa League.
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 Nyan – Mohammed Fusseini, Franjo Ivanovic, Anan Khalaili.
Defender Ross Sykes and head coach Sebastien Pocognoli are suspended. Midfielder Alessio Castro Montes is injured. Forward Sofiane Boufal returns from injury.
Ajax
The Dutch team started the main stage confidently, winning three of their first four matches (1 draw). However, they could not maintain their position in the top eight due to three subsequent losses. Francesco Farioli's side finished 12th, but only three clubs scored more than Ajax. In the previous Europa League campaign, the Dutch team did not advance from the group stage.
- In 5 of their last 7 Europa League matches, Ajax 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 games in the Europa League, the club scored at least one goal.
Predicted lineup for Ajax (4-3-3)
Remko Pasveer – Juri Baas, Anton Goei, Josip Sutalo, Jorrel Hato – Kenneth Taylor, Jordan Henderson, Kian Fitz-Jim – Bertrand Traore, Brian Brobbey, Mika Godts.
The team has forward Wout Weghorst, midfielders Jordan Henderson and Branco van den Boomen in the infirmary.
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 championship is renowned for its high-scoring games. The Belgians, in turn, strive to keep up. I believe this encounter 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, managing only two clean sheets. It's also worth noting that both teams scored in 6 of Union's last 7 home Europa League matches.
Ajax had a similar main stage: the same 6 matches with goals scored, but one more clean sheet. Importantly, they kept a clean sheet against three opponents who did not reach the playoffs. Away in the Europa League, the team conceded in 11 of their last 13 matches.
My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
