The Republic of Ireland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign on Saturday night as they welcome Hungary to the Aviva Stadium.
Ireland are bidding to reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002 in Asia, and head into this qualifying campaign having retained their place in League B in the Nations League.
Despite losing home and away to both England and Greece, The Boys in Green did the double over Finland, giving them a second chance in the promotion/relegation playoff against Bulgaria.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men went on to win both legs 2-1 against the Bulgarians, ensuring their League B status, with their second leg victory in Dublin landing a full-house of winners for our man Gabriel.
Hungary also finished third in their Nations League group, behind both Germany and the Netherlands, meaning they were drawn against the entertaining Turkiye in their promotion/relegation playoff.
However, Marco Rossi’s men were thrashed 6-1 on aggregate by the Crescent Stars, meaning they drop down to League B, alongside their upcoming opponents.
How the bookies view it: Tough one to call
The bookies are finding it tough to separate these two sides, with The Boys in Green marginal 8/5 favourites at BoyleSports.
The same firm has a Hungarian victory at 17/10, whilst the draw is 2/1.
Head to head: Luck of the Irish?
The Republic of Ireland have lost just one of their previous seven meetings with the Hungarians, including a 2-1 victory at home in a friendly last June.
Players to watch: Szoboszlai to strike again?
Dominic Szoboszlai has had a strong start to the campaign for Liverpool, with his stunning winning free kick against Arsenal last Sunday making it three wins from three for the reigning Premier League champions.
The Hungarian captain is on set-pieces for his country and has scored three goals in their Nations League campaign, and is an appealing 3/1 at BoyleSports to get on the scoresheet in Dublin on Saturday night.
Predicted line-ups:
Heimir Hallgrimsson is dealt a blow for this one, with red-hot AZ striker Troy Parrott missing through injury.
Marco Rossi is expected to make an experienced starting 11, with Liverpool duo Milos Kerkez and Dominic Szoboszlai featuring.
Republic of Ireland: Kelleher, Doherty, Collins, O’Brien, Manning, Johnston, Azaz, Cullen, Knight, Ferguson, Idah
Hungary: Dibusz, Fiola, Orban, Dardai, Schafer, Dardai, Vecsei, Kerkez, Gazdag, Szoboszlai, Varga
Anything else catch the eye?
As pointed out, the bookies are struggling to separate these two nations, and likewise for me, with neither in convincing form.
As stated above, The Boys in Green have lost just one of their past seven meetings with The Magyars, but Hungary do possess more quality in their ranks, meaning I’m leaning towards a draw.
Both Teams scored in their last meeting last June, and whilst I’m not expecting a high-scoring encounter, the 5/6 on offer of both getting on the scoresheet does appeal.
GambleAware