Netherlands are aiming to close the gap on leaders Germany as they host Hungary in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture. Neither team has been at their best in the competition but the Dutch often do well against Hungary and given their record in this fixture, will fancy their chances on Friday.
It has not been the best UNL campaign for the Netherlands, who have picked up just one win from their four matches in Group B. They are five points off the pace but are still in with a shout of progressing to the quarter-finals, sitting second on the table on goal difference.
The positive thing for Netherlands at the moment is that they have lost just once in the group although that was a 1-0 defeat to Germany last time out. Ronald Koeman’s men will be banking on home advantage, having gone unbeaten in their last two matches, a run that includes a 5-2 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Hungary are in a similar situation with Netherlands as they have also claimed just one win in the Group. Marco Rossi’s men are second on the standings by virtue of an inferior goal difference and can give themselves a big chance of progressing to the quarter-finals with a win on Saturday.
The good news for Hungary is that they seem to be improving as the tournament progresses. They began with a 5-0 hammering in Germany but are now unbeaten in their last three matches, claiming a 2-0 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in their previous fixture.
How the bookies view it: Dutch highly fancied
Netherlands have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 4/11 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Hungary is valued at 7/1 by Betfred , who are also offering odds of 4/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Upper hand for Netherlands
Netherlands have a 9-3 advantage with three draws from 15 previous matches against Hungary. However, both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture back in October.
Players to watch: Eyes on Gakpo
Cody Gakpo’s influence in the Netherlands team has grown in recent times, with the forward often scoring vital goals. He was on target in the win over Bosnia Herzegovina and is priced at 13/10 by Betfred to find the net on Saturday.
Liverpool teammate Dominik Szoboszlai also wields huge influence in the Hungarian side and is often involved in much of the team’s attacking play. The midfielder netted a brace last time out and is priced at 4/1 by Betfred to get on the score sheet once again.
Probable line-ups
Captain Virgil van Dijk returns to the Netherlands team after missing the previous fixture due to suspension. Tijani Reijnders should continue in midfield while Gakpo is set to feature in attack once again.
Daniel Gazdag and Krisztofer Horvath both miss out for Hungary due to injury. Willi Orban is expected to retain his place in the heart of the defence while Barbara’s Varga is set to continue in attack.
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Dumfries, de Vrij, van Dijk, Hato, Gravenberch, Wieffer, Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo, Brobbey
Hungary: Dibusz, Botka, Orban, Fiola, Bolla, Nikitscher, Schafer, Nagy, Sallai, Szoboszlai, Varga
Anything else catch the eye?
Netherlands have seen over 3.5 goals in their last two home matches and a repeat is priced at 11/8 with Betfred. Netherlands defence has been unconvincing, so both teams could be backed to score at 4/5 with Betfred.
Given the minimal odds for a straight Netherlands victory, a win and both teams to score can be considered at 9/5 with Betfred.
This UEFA Nations League match between Netherlands and Hungary will be played on Nov 16, 2024 and kick off at 20:45. Check below for our tipsters best Netherlands vs Hungary prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
