European football returns on the agenda for Eredivisie side Ajax as they welcome Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin who have surprised everyone in Germany with their impressive season.Â
The visitors are on an impressive six-match winning run in all competitions and sit just a point behind German champions Bayern Munich. Their rise has been one many neutrals have admired and their fiercely loyal fanbase will certainly guarantee an atmospheric match at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.Â
For Ajax, they will want to shine some light to their season. Having dropped from the Champions League group stages, the Dutch champions will be looking to secure a place in the round of 16 draw if they can beat Union over the next two weeks – starting by making the most of home advantage in the first leg.
The Amsterdam-club dropped down to the Europa League competition after finishing third in their Champions League group which featured Napoli, Liverpool and Rangers while Union finished second in their group and a point behind Belgian side Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.
Here are both side’s current form in all competitions:Â
Ajax: D-W-W-W-W
Union Berlin: W-W-W-W-W
Team news
Head coach John H​​eitinga may look to bring in striker Brian Brobbey but looks set to make minimal changes from the squad that won against RKC Waalwijk. The possible change would likely see Francisco Conceicao drop while Dusan Tadic gets moved over to the left-wing.Â
Fischer will be forced into making at least one change to his Union Berlin XI with Janik Haberer serving a one-match ban for three yellow cards.
The visitors will be without captain Christopher Trimmel who is serving a suspension.
