It has been a concerning season to this point for Ajax, as they sit third in the Dutch top-flight and have dropped out of the Champions League at the first hurdle. They will be hoping to build up an advantage in the playoff round in the Europa League, as they host Union Berlin on Thursday.
Europa League Preview
It has been far from a smooth transition following the departure of Erik ten Hag at Ajax, as his successor Alfred Schreuder has already been fired following a slow start to the campaign. He left the club sitting fourth in the Dutch top-flight, while they were also eliminated at the group stage of the Champions League before the European break late last year.
The Dutch giants could only finish third in Group A, as they finished nine points behind Napoli and Liverpool in the standings. Their only victories in the group stage were both recorded against Rangers, while they ended the opening campaign having conceded 16 goals in total. John Hetinga’s reign at the club got off to a great start over the weekend, as Ajax landed a 3-1 home win over RKC Waalwijk.
Union Berlin look to have all the tools that could hurt Ajax at this stage, as the German side have been flying in the Bundesliga throughout the season. They currently sit second in the standings, and have won each of their previous five matches in the league.
Union managed to finish second in Group D in the first half of the season, as they eventually finished just a point behind Union Saint-Gilloise. They won four of their six games, with their defeats coming in the opening two rounds of fixtures against the eventual group winners and Braga. Interestingly, all six games that they have played have ended in 1-0 scorelines.
Ajax vs Union Berlin Head to Head
This will be a first professional meeting between Union and Ajax. However, the Dutch champions have a very strong record against German sides, as they have gone four without loss. Two of those matches ended in draws against Bayern Munich.
Ajax vs Union Berlin Prediction
Ajax has lost each of their previous two home games in European competition. We could see Union taking a huge step toward qualification for the next round on Thursday, based on the fact that they have an incredible defensive record in Europe, having allowed just three in their last eight.
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