Germany and Hungary will both start their UEFA Nations League campaigns this weekend when they go head-to-head at the Merkur Spiel Arena.
It is the second consecutive time that the two nations have been drawn alongside each other in the same Nations League group with Hungary finishing above Germany in 2022/23.
The match takes on extra significance as it is the first match of Julian Nagelsmann's post-Euro 2024 career as Germany boss. The 37-year-old was originally only meant to take charge of the team for the Euros but will now see the job through to the 2026 World Cup.
How the bookies view it: Germany go in as heavy favourites
Germany are expected to win the match against Hungary on Saturday with the bookies clearly believing that the side have turned a corner under Julian Nagelsmann. Betfred have priced a win for Germany at 1/4 while a win for Hungary has been priced at 10/1. The draw, which would be a great result for the visitors, has been priced at 5/1.
Recent head-to-head: Reasons for Hungarian optimism
Hungary should be buoyed by their recent record against Germany and use it as a reason for belief ahead of Saturday's encounter. Germany have only managed to win one of their last four matches against Hungary – their 2-0 win at Euro 2024.
In the last edition of the UEFA Nations League, Hungary secured a 1-1 draw at home against Germany before recording an impressive 1-0 victory away from home.
Players to watch: A fascinating midfield battle
Two German stalwarts have retired from international football in the wake of Euro 2024 so their midfield will certainly feel light without Ilkay Gundogan and Toni Kroos. Filling those boots won't be an easy task but the duo who will be attempting to do just that will be Bayern Munich's Aleksandar Pavlovic and former Brighton man, Pascal Gross.
While both players lack the star quality of Kroos and Gundogan, Nagelsmann is a brilliant coach and will organise the team accordingly to ensure both players aren't exposed in the midfield.
Looking to exploit the frailties of the pair will be Hungary captain, Dominik Szoboszlai. The Liverpool midfielder has the talent to cause problems for Germany and will be a particular threat from dead-ball situations.
Predicted line-ups
Joshua Kimmich has been announced as the new Germany captain so this match will mark his first start as the new skipper. His club teammate, Leroy Sane, has been rested due to a lack of match fitness. There has been somewhat of a cull in the Hungary squad on the back of their early exit from Euro 2024 with five players being dropped.
Germany: Ter Stegen – Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Tah, Mittelstadt – Pavlovic, Gross – Musiala, Wirtz, Fuhrich – Havertz
Hungary: Gulacsi – Bolla, Botka, Orban, Dardai, Kerkez – Nagy, Schafer, Szoboszlai – Sallai, Varga
Anything else catch the eye?
Although Germany started Euro 2024 with a 5-1 win over Scotland, their following four matches at the tournament all produced fewer than three goals in 90 minutes. What's more, none of the last three matches between Hungary and Germany have produced more than two goals. Under 2.5 goals to be scored has been priced at 11/8 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Germany and Hungary will be played on Sep 7, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Germany vs Hungary prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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