Union Berlin vs Ajax Predictions

• Both sides are unbeaten in all competitions since the World Cup break.
• Ajax have a 60% all-time unbeaten away record to German opponents (W7, D5, L8).
• Union Berlin are yet to beat a Dutch opponent in Europe (D1, L2).

Testing the Iron Ones’ mettle

Although Union failed to pounce on a Bayern Munich mistake in the Bundesliga last weekend, their goalless draw with Schalke saw three sides go joint-top. In fact, that’s the first time that the Bundesliga lead has been shared by so many sides at such a deep stage in the season during the three-points-for-a-win era!

Union fans may be concerned at their current 198-minute run of play without scoring a goal, but that’s largely down to their incredible backline that has allowed keeper Frederik Ronnow to only make two saves in their back-to-back shutouts.

Relative newbies to UEFA competitions, this is already the deepest Union have progressed into a continental tournament. Another positive result will keep the dream alive, yet they face tough opponents here, an Ajax side making a competition-record tenth appearance in the knockout phase.

Ajax won’t feel like underdogs

Eredivisie title chasers Ajax have flourished under the stewardship of Johnny Heitinga, winning five of their six competitive matches since his appointment (D5, L1). Those wins have seen them enter this second leg all square and within striking distance of the league leaders back home.

European mainstays Ajax won’t take any notice of their outsider status here given both their pedigree in this competition and their solid all-time record against German opponents on the continental stage (W23, D8, L8). Moreover, Ajax have only lost 40% of their away trips across the border and may be quietly confident of upsetting the odds.

Given the fine form of both sides and the odds on offer, we think the value lies in siding with Ajax to at least hold out for a draw within 90 minutes, what happens beyond that is anyone’s guess! As such, we’re going for a 1-1 draw in the correct score market and another small stakes selection on Ajax’s Mohamed Kudus scoring a fifth European goal of the season anytime.