Union Berlin and Ajax will collide this week in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off tie (aggregate: 0-0).
Union Berlin Form GuideAfter spending years in the wilderness, Union Berlin are finally being recognised as one of the best sides in German football once again. They’ve been able to build a real culture within their squad and with a mixture of veteran talent and young superstars, nobody is doubting their ability to push for both the Europa League crown and the Bundesliga title this season.
For Union, it was all about staying calm in Amsterdam. They only had 32% possession but their counter attacking play was really impressive, to the point whereby they were the one with more shots - 13 in total. If they can replicate that in the second leg, they should be fine.
Ajax Form GuideFour years ago, Ajax were quite literally seconds away from reaching the Champions League final. Now, they’re scratching and clawing to reach the last 16 of the Europa League. This club has been to the top of the mountain and they’re destined to be back there one day soon, but for now, the UEL - and their battle with Feyenoord in the Eredivisie - is the priority.
In a crazy clash last week, Ajax didn’t actually have any shots on target despite having eight in total throughout the course of the game. They also had 67% possession with the fans being right behind them, and unsurprisingly, they were left kicking themselves at full time.
Latest Team NewsLeite is the only big worry for Union here after he missed the weekend’s game due to an illness.
Baas and Kaplan are definitely out injured with there being questions over the fitness of Sanchez.
Match PredictionGiven how the first leg played out, we’d say the hosts have all the momentum going into this one. It comes down to who wants it more and with the Germans firing on all cylinders, we’ll be backing Union to secure a narrow 2-1 win.
32 tips in BG
