Ajax will welcome Union Berlin to the Amsterdam Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League knockout playoffs on Thursday (February 16). The hosts finished third in Group A of the UEFA Champions League, which has qualified them for the Europa League knockout playoffs. Ajax have seen an upturn in form in recent games, winning the last four.
In their previous outing on Sunday, second-half goals from Mohammed Kudus, Brian Brobbey, and Jurrien Timber helped them overturn a one-goal deficit at home against Waalwijk in the Eredivisie. Union, meanwhile, have qualified for the knockouts of a UEFA-affiliated competition for the first time. They have been in solid form in 2023, keeping a 100% record across competitions. Union overcame a one-goal deficit against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday in a 2-1 away win.
Match Details:
- Match: Ajax vs Union Berlin
- Date: 16 February 2023
- Time: 11:15 pm
- Venue: Amsterdam ArenA
Ajax vs Union Berlin Prediction
Ajax are in the knockouts of the Europa League for the first time in two years, while Union have made it past the group stage for the first time. Experience comes in handy in competitions like this one, and Ajax have home advantage in the first leg, which could come in handy.
Union, meanwhile, have won their last three away games, scoring twice in each game. Considering the impressive form of both teams, a draw could ensue.
Prediction: Ajax 2-2 Union Berlin
Ajax vs Union Berlin Head-To-Head
- This will be the first competitive meeting between the two teams. They met in a friendly in 2020, which ended 2-2.
- Both Ajax and Union have enjoyed unbeaten runs across competitions in 2023. Union have a 100% record, while Ajax have won five of their nine games.
- Ajax have won just once at home across competitions since October.
- Union had the joint-best defensive record in the Europa League group stage, conceding twice in six games. Interestingly, they won four games despite scoring just four times.
- The visitors have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their six games in 2023, scoring at least twice while also keeping a 100% record.
- The hosts have seen over 2.5 goals in three of their last four games, scoring at least thrice in three games.
Ajax vs Union Berlin Live Stream Time
This match will start from 11:15 pm
Ajax vs Union Berlin Date
This match will take place on 16 February 2023
Ajax vs Union Berlin Team News
Heitinga may choose to keep changes to a minimum for this fixture, potentially making just one alteration to bring Brian Brobbey back into the team.
That would likely see Francisco Conceicao drop out with Dusan Tadic moving out wide to feature on the left flank.
Although Calvin Bassey is an option in the defence, the former Rangers man may have to make do with a spot among the replacements.
Fischer will be forced into making at least one change to his Union Berlin XI with Janik Haberer serving a one-match ban for three yellow cards.
Either Morten Thorsby or Paul Seguin are in line to be handed a recall, but further rotation is a possibility with Timo Baumgartl, Jerome Roussillon and Jordan Siebatcheu all options in defence, on the flank and in attack.
Christopher Trimmel is also suspended for Union Berlin, although he was only named on the substitutes’ bench at the weekend.
Ajax vs Union Berlin Lineups
Ajax:
Rulli; Rensch, Alvarez, Timber, Wijndal; Berghuis, Taylor, Klaassen; Kudus, Brobbery, Tadic
Union Berlin:
Ronnow; Doekhi, Knoche, Leite; Juranovic, Laidouni, Khedira, Thorsby, Roussillon; Becker, Behrens
Ajax vs Union Berlin Odds
We say: Ajax 1-1 Union Berlin
With both clubs in a period of strong form, this can only be a highly-competitive contest. There will be a desire to remain in the tie ahead of the second leg in Germany, and we would not be surprised to see a share of the spoils play out in Amsterdam.
Ajax vs Union Berlin Stats
- Ajax 71.84%
- Union Berlin 12%
- Draw 16.16%
Ajax vs Union Berlin Tips
Tip 1: Result – Draw
Tip 2: Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Over 2.5
Tip 3: Steven Berghuis to score or assist any time – Yes
Tip 4: At least a goal to be scored in the first half – Yes
Tip 5: Union Berlin to score first – Yes
Ajax vs Union Berlin Betting Trends
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats, suggests the most likely outcome of this match is a Ajax win with a probability of 71.84%. A draw has a probability of 16.2% and a win for Union Berlin has a probability of 12%.
The most likely scoreline for an Ajax win is 2-0 with a probability of 9.71%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome are 2-1 (9.32%) and 3-0 (8.27%). The likeliest drawn scoreline is 1-1 (7.29%), while for a Union Berlin win it is 1-2 (3.5%).
Ajax vs Union Berlin Where To Watch Live UEFA Europa League Today Match
You can also live stream the UEFA Europa League 2023 on JioTV, Sony LIV App, and Airtel XStream on your mobile.