Union Berlin v Ajax – UEL Betting Preview
Union Berlin Summary
Union Berlin are riding high in the Bundesliga, sitting third place but joint top with the leading and most famous clubs in Germany, Dortmund and Bayern Munich.
Their excellent winning run domestically ended with a 0-0 draw against Schalke on the weekend. It was also a goalless draw in the first leg of this UEFA Europa league playoff game.
It’s now been 198 minutes since anyone scored in games involving Union, but back at home they will believe they can push on and use the advantage to overcome an Ajax side which have had their struggles this season.
The Germans are missing Schafer due to a foot injury and they have doubts due to a fever of both Busk and Leite.
Ajax Summary
It had been a very disappointing season for one of the most famous clubs in the Netherlands and across Europe in Ajax, who lingered well off the pace until bringing in a new manager which changed the dynamic greatly almost two months ago.
The Dutch giant were disappointed to draw the first leg with Union Berlin 0-0 in front of their own fans, but still have confidence that they can find a win away and progress.
Ajax has won their last four league games on the bounce and moved right back into title contention behind rivals Feyenoord, sitting just three points away from their bitter rivals.
This has seen confidence and the mood shoot up at the club in the last month or two.
The revival of Ajax under Johnny Heitinga continued on the weekend with a convincing 4-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam. That result was a perfect confidence booster ahead of their trip to Germany.
Manager Johnny Heitinga has a couple of injury concerns for the second leg, with Turkish player Kaplan suffering with a knee injury and Mexican Sanchez, who has a slight knock but is expected to be cleared in time to feature.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Although the bookmakers have Union to win @ 2.25 as favourites, Ajax will not fear them greatly as historically, they have done well in Germany. Their all-time record against German opponents is W23, D8, L8, and they boast a 60% unbeaten rate on German soil (W7, D5, L8). Ajax is @ 3.35 to win while the draw is @ 3.30.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest which for favourite backers, could be wiser than going on the 1×2. Berlin -0.25 will feel confident about not conceding, which should give their backers some reassurance (in case of another 0-0) with the draw paying a half loss @ 1.93. Ajax +0.25 have the draw onside @ 1.93.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all where the line is set at 2.25. Looking at the prospect of goals, one cannot get too excited. It was 0-0 in the first leg and Union have gone almost 200 minutes without scoring or conceding. Under is @ 1.88 and the Overs @ 1.95. Easy pass on goals as an early one would open it all right up.
