Ireland vs Hungary Prediction: More misery for Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2024, and interim manager John O’Shea would like some clarity on the vacant managerial post over the summer. It seems like there isn’t a number one candidate for the job, and perhaps rather embarrassingly, Ireland are failing to attract suitable candidates.
They are hoping to head into the summer with renewed optimism by getting three points against Hungary at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. A couple of good wins this week could even secure O’Shea the job on a permanent basis, while Hungary have qualified for Euro 2024, and are looking to enter the tournament on a high. Below you can find my Ireland vs Hungary prediction.
Team News
Ireland are without Nathan Collins who was injured for Brentford on the final day of the Premier League, so Jake O’Brien could come in for his first start here. Chiedozie Ogbene has also been ruled out, with Gavin Bazunu, Evan Gerguson and John Egan all long-term absentees. Adam Idah should start up front after his impressive spell at Celtic in the second half of the season.
Barnabas Varga and captain Dominik Szoboszlai should both start in Dublin as Hungary look to finalise their preferred starting XI ahead of the Euros. Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth is also likely to play a big part in their success from left-back.
Ireland are 7/4 to win this game, while Hungary are priced at 31/20. A draw can be backed at 21/10, BTTS is 19/20 and over 2.5 goals is 47/37.
Hungary to win @ 31/20
I just don’t see Ireland winning this game at all, or even getting close to it. They have a lack of quality throughout the squad, are woefully out of form, and their managerial situation still hasn’t been resolved. Ireland got just six points from eight qualification games, and they failed to score in either of their March outings.
Meanwhile, Hungary are on their way to Euro 2024 where they will face the hosts Germany in Group A. They are on a phenomenal run of form, unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions and secured their place at Euro 2024 with a game to spare. They are a great price to secure a win here.
Away team clean sheet @ 7/4
Ireland have been shocking in front of goal of late, so I’m happy to back Hungary to keep them at bay once again. If we discount a 4-0 win over minnows Gibraltar, Ireland have only scored one goal in their last five outings. One!
They cannot seem to work out a way to attack fluidly, and drew blanks against Belgium and Switzerland on home soil over the last international break. Hungary are a tough team to beat, and I don’t think Ireland are good enough to find the net.
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