Francesco Farioli's side hold a healthy 2-0 advantage as they welcome Belgian side USG to the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. The 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-finalists are one of the favoured teams in the UEL this season as their youth-focused approach seems to finally be bearing fruit after a couple of difficult seasons. They are top of the Eredivisie and come into this one on the back of hammering Heracles 4-0 at the weekend. Ajax fans will expect their side to get the job done.
It's an uphill climb for Sébastien Pocognoli and Union. Two second-half goals back in Brussels last week have given them a difficult task away from home in the second leg. They are far, far behind Genk in the race for the Jupiler Pro League title, so all emphasis can be placed on trying to record a famous win at one of the world's most iconic stadiums in midweek. However, a 1-0 defeat against Mechelen last time out won't have done wonders for their confidence.
Ajax vs Union Saint-Gilloise Team News
The bad news for the hosts is that two of the few experienced players in their ranks, Wout Weghorst and Jordan Henderson are unavailable through injury, as is the case for Youri Regeer and Branco van den Boomen. Meanwhile, Owen Wijndal and Kenneth Taylor are both doubts and will need to prove their fitness to make the squad.
Kamiel Van De Perre and Alessio Castro-Montes are both ruled out for USG, but Ross Sykes is once again available after serving his suspension in the first leg.
Ajax vs Union Saint-Gilloise Possible Lineups
Farioli will likely call upon the experience of Davy Klaassen in midfield and Bertrand Traore and Steven Berghuis on either flank to guide his team of youngsters through what should be a comfortable game but could become nervy if they concede first.
Ajax Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Pasveer; Rosa, Rugani, Baas, Hato; Mokio, Klaassen, Fitz-Jim; Traore, Brobbey, Berghuis
English defensive duo of Ross Sykes (if available) and Christian Burgess should start in defence, while Kevin Mac Allister - brother of Liverpool star Alexis - will be one to watch on the right wing.
Union Saint-Gilloise Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Moris; Sykes, Burgess, Leysen; Mac Allister, Vanhoutte, Sadiki, Niang; Ivanovic, Ait El Hadj; Akinpelu
Be sure to head back to Sporticos an hour before kick-off to get updated official lineups and other stats.
Ajax vs Union Saint-Gilloise Prediction
After winning comfortably away from home, there is nothing to suggest that the Amsterdam side won't do the same again, bringing plucky Union's time in the competition to an end.
Prediction: Ajax 2 - 0 Union Saint-Gilloise (agg. 4-0)
Despite narrowly missing out on the top 8 and being forced to navigate this playoff round, Ajax are still ones to watch in the Europa League this season. They could be one of the few teams capable of stopping Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as they bid for European silverware.
Fans in the UK can watch Ajax vs Union Saint-Gilloise on TV with TNT Sports or via live streaming on the Discovery+ platform.
