Ajax vs. Union St.Gilloise Prediction, Preview, Betting Tips, 20/02/2025
The stage is set at the Johan Cruijff ArenA for this exciting Europa League 1/16 round clash between Ajax and Union St.Gilloise. Ajax, who lead the Eredivisie standings, have been in formidable form under coach Francesco Farioli, winning their last five matches. They boast a solid position in the Europa League after a commanding 0-2 victory in the first leg in Belgium, with standout performances from players like the young talent Jorthy Mokio. Meanwhile, Union St.Gilloise, despite their recent losses, remain a resilient side in the Belgian Pro League.
With an overcast evening predicted and temperatures around 4°C, the atmosphere will be electric. Leading referee Chris Kavanagh will officiate the match. Injuries for Ajax include key players such as Wout Weghorst and Owen Wijndal, while Union St.Gilloise will miss Alessio Castro and Kamiel Van De Perre. Given Ajax’s recent momentum and b defensive record, alongside their exceptional home form, we’re predicting a home win. The odds favour Ajax at 1.81 with a recommended bet for an Ajax victory.
Ajax vs. Union St.Gilloise Prediction & Betting tip
| Ajax vs. Union St.Gilloise Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Ajax to win | 1.81 |
With Ajax showing impeccable form and the bookmakers’ odds favoring them, the best bet here is an Ajax win. The Dutch giants have won their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory over Union St.Gilloise in the first leg.
- Ajax’s recent momentum, with 4 consecutive wins, suggests they are in great shape.
- Union St.Gilloise has been inconsistent, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 5 games.
- Ajax’s impressive defensive record, with 3 clean sheets in their last 5 games, strengthens their position as favorites.
Given the differences in recent performance and defensive strength, backing Ajax is the smart prediction.
Ajax vs. Union St.Gilloise Odds
| Ajax vs. Union St.Gilloise Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Ajax | 1.81 |
| Draw | 3.79 |
| Union St.Gilloise | 4.09 |
With Ajax as the clear favorite given their recent stellar form, the odds reflect their dominance. They’ve won their last five matches and hold a 2-0 lead from the first leg.
Union St.Gilloise’s inconsistency is represented in their longer odds for a win.
If one prefers a safer bet, backing Ajax is recommended, considering their home advantage and excellent current form. Meanwhile, a draw offers some risk but higher returns.
Ajax Team Analysis
Recent Performance WWWWW
Ajax has been in sublime form recently, with five consecutive wins. They have averaged 2.40 goals per game during this period and secured 3 clean sheets in their last five matches, showcasing a b defensive setup as well.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Ajax | Heracles | 4-0 (Win) |
| Union St.Gilloise | Ajax | 0-2 (Win) |
| Fortuna Sittard | Ajax | 0-2 (Win) |
| Ajax | Feyenoord | 2-1 (Win) |
| Ajax | Galatasaray | 2-1 (Win) |
Ajax’s ability to consistently find the net and maintain a tight defense has been pivotal. Young talents like 16-year-old Jorthy Mokio have impressed, adding depth to Francesco Farioli’s squad. Given their current form and the 2-0 advantage from the first leg, they are expected to perform bly against Union St.Gilloise.
Ajax Key Players
Ajax’s key players have been in fine form recently, making significant contributions in both domestic and European matches. One standout player is Christian Rasmussen, who has been instrumental with crucial goals, including one in the 2-0 win against Union St. Gilloise.
Midfield maestro Davy Klaassen recently scored his 100th goal for the club and remains a key figure in the middle of the park, often orchestrating play and providing stability.
Jorthy Mokio, the 16-year-old sensation, has drawn praise for his exceptional performances, most notably scoring in the first leg against Union St. Gilloise.
Expected lineup for Ajax:
- Goalkeeper: Remko Pasveer
- Defenders: Lucas Rosa, Daniele Rugani, Youri Baas, Jorrel Hato
- Midfielders: Davy Klaassen, Jorthy Mokio, Kian Fitz-Jim
- Forwards: Steven Berghuis, Christian Rasmussen, Oliver Valaker Edvardsen
Ajax Suspensions & Injuries
Ajax will be dealing with several injuries for their upcoming match. The absences could impact their squad depth and rotation options.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Amourricho van Axel Dongen | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Owen Wijndal | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Youri Regeer | Ankle injury | Early March 2025 |
| Wouter Weghorst | Broken finger | Mid March 2025 |
| Branco van den Boomen | Back injury | Early March 2025 |
With several key players sidelined, Ajax will need their squad to step up. The absence of Youri Regeer and Wouter Weghorst will be particularly felt, but the team has shown resilience and depth in recent weeks.
Ajax Tactics and Formation
Ajax Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Christian Rasmussen
- Midfield Trio: Davy Klaassen, Jorrel Hato, Kian Fitz-Jim
- Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Strong attack, especially in the second halves of matches.
Ajax has shown tactical flexibility under coach Francesco Farioli, who has emphasized both b defensive organization and dynamic attacking play. The team is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, which has been effective in recent fixtures.
With young talents like Jorrel Hato stepping up, complemented by experienced players like Davy Klaassen, Ajax has found success both in retaining possession and quick transitions. Their defense, marshaled by the likes of Daniele Rugani and Jorrel Hato, has been solid, helping them keep multiple clean sheets recently. Expect Ajax to push hard offensively while maintaining a tight, organized defense.
Union St.Gilloise Team Analysis
Union St.Gilloise Recent Performance LLWWL
Union St.Gilloise has had an inconsistent run in their recent games, showcasing a mix of wins and losses.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Union St.Gilloise | KV Mechelen | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Union St.Gilloise | Ajax | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Kortrijk | Union St.Gilloise | 1-2 (Win) |
| Union St.Gilloise | St.Truiden | 2-1 (Win) |
| Rangers | Union St.Gilloise | 2-1 (Loss) |
Their recent form of LLWWL indicates a lack of consistency. With an away average of 1.00 goals scored and no clean sheets in the last five matches, they have faced defensive challenges.
Union St.Gilloise needs to stabilize, making defensive solidity a priority to progress further in the Europa League.
Union St.Gilloise Key Players
Expected lineup for Union St.Gilloise:
- Goalkeeper: Anthony Moris
- Defenders: Anan Khalaili, Kevin Mac Allister, Christian Burgess, Fedde Leysen
- Midfielders: Anouar Ait El Hadj, Charles Vanhoutte, Noah Sadiki
- Attackers: Franjo Ivanovic, Promise David, Ousseynou Niang
A key player for Union St.Gilloise will likely be Promise David, who leads the attack.
Noah Sadiki’s performance in midfield will also be crucial, offering support in both attack and defense.
Look out for a tough battle between Union’s attackers and Ajax’s defenders, particularly against the solid pairing of Daniele Rugani and Youri Baas.
Franjo Ivanovic will need to break through Ajax’s defensive lines and provide timely assists to push for a goal.
Union St.Gilloise Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alessio Castro | Unknown | Doubtful |
| Kamiel Van De Perre | Hamstring Injury | Early March 2025 |
Luckily for Union St.Gilloise, they have no players suspended for this upcoming match against Ajax.
The absence of Alessio Castro and Kamiel Van De Perre, particularly with Van De Perre’s hamstring injury, might impact their defensive stability. Van De Perre is an essential part of their backline, and his absence could create vulnerabilities, especially when facing Ajax’s dynamic attack.
Coach Sébastien Pocognoli will need to ensure his remaining players are well-prepared to fill the gaps and maintain a solid defensive structure.
Union St. Gilloise Tactics and Formation
Union St. Gilloise’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-3-3
- Key Forward: Promise David
- Midfield Trio: Anouar Ait El Hadj, Charles Vanhoutte, Noah Sadiki
- Defensive Strength: Despite recent struggles, they maintain a robust defensive approach.
Union St. Gilloise has shown flexibility in their formations, primarily operating with a 4-3-3 setup for this match. This formation allows them to have a balanced approach while featuring Promise David at the forefront of their attack.
The midfield trio of Ait El Hadj, Vanhoutte, and Sadiki provides both defensive cover and attacking support, essential for their counter-attacking strategy.
With their defense weakened due to injuries, maintaining a b midfield presence becomes crucial in avoiding vulnerabilities against Ajax’s dynamic offense.
Ajax vs. Union St.Gilloise Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Union St.Gilloise | Ajax | 0-2 |
In their most recent meeting, Ajax secured a solid 2-0 win away against Union St.Gilloise.
This result gives Ajax an advantage going into the second leg at Johan Cruijff ArenA. Ajax’s recent form and home advantage make them favorites to progress. This history sets the stage for an intriguing rematch in the Europa League’s Round of 16.
Venue and Weather
The Johan Cruijff ArenA, with a seating capacity of around 54,000, will be the stage for this Europa League clash. As one of Europe’s iconic football venues, it promises an electric atmosphere that will surely boost the home side.
The weather forecast for the match day on 20 February 2025 indicates overcast clouds with a temperature hovering around 4°C. With high humidity at 90% and minimal wind speeds of 1.58 m/s, the conditions are likely to be damp but not overly disruptive.
Ajax, accustomed to Dutch winter conditions, may find it easier to adapt. Union St. Gilloise might have to contend with the cold but can use their grit and determination to counterbalance the home advantage. Both teams will likely focus on maintaining possession and avoiding risky plays on what could be a slick pitch.
