Republic of Ireland vs Hungary predictions ahead of this clash. Hungary face the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday evening in their first pre-Euro 2024 warm-up match. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Friendlies | Jun 4, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Aviva Stadium
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Republic of Ireland vs Hungary Predictions
Hungary Aim to Extend Unbeaten Streak Against Struggling Republic of Ireland
Key Stats
– Hungary are on a 14-game unbeaten run, showcasing their consistency and resilience.
– The Republic of Ireland have scored just once in their last four games, highlighting their offensive struggles.
– Dominik Szoboszlai has netted four goals in Euro 2024 qualification, underlining his importance to Hungary.
As Hungary prepare to take on the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, this fixture serves as a crucial warm-up ahead of their Euro 2024 campaign. Hungary, who have shown remarkable consistency in their qualification journey, will look to extend their unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland, under new management, aim to regain some pride and form after failing to qualify for the European Championship. This comprehensive analysis examines team form, tactical setups, key player duels, and predictions for the match.
Hungary’s Strong Form and Tactical Edge
Hungary have been on an exceptional run, remaining unbeaten through their Euro 2024 qualifiers and securing their place in the tournament with a game to spare. Marco Rossi’s men topped Group G with 18 points from eight matches, joining elite company as one of the few teams to go undefeated in the qualifiers. This formidable run includes a 14-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, showcasing their stability and tactical prowess.
Rossi’s side will likely line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, which has provided both defensive solidity and attacking flexibility. Their probable starting lineup is expected to feature:
- Goalkeeper: Peter Gulacsi
- Defenders: Bendeguz Bolla, Attila Szalai, Willi Orban
- Midfielders: Loic Nego, Adam Nagy, Andras Schafer, Milos Kerkez
- Forwards: Roland Sallai, Dominik Szoboszlai, Barnabas Varga
Dominik Szoboszlai, the team captain and joint top scorer in the qualifiers, will be pivotal in Hungary’s midfield, driving their attacking play. Szoboszlai’s vision and goal-scoring ability will be essential for breaking down the Irish defence.
Republic of Ireland’s Struggles and Tactical Adjustments
The Republic of Ireland have had a disappointing campaign, finishing fourth in their qualification group with just six points from eight games. This poor performance led to the departure of manager Stephen Kenny, with John O’Shea stepping in as interim manager. O’Shea’s tenure began with goalless draws against Belgium and Switzerland, highlighting the team’s struggles in attack.
Ireland’s expected formation for this match is likely to be a 5-4-1 setup, focusing on defensive resilience. The anticipated starting lineup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Caoimhin Kelleher
- Defenders: Seamus Coleman, Andrew Omobamidele, Dara O’Shea, Jake O’Brien, Enda Stevens
- Midfielders: Sammie Szmodics, Jason Knight, Josh Cullen, Michael Johnston
- Forward: Adam Idah
With several key players like Nathan Collins, Gavin Bazunu, Evan Ferguson, and John Egan unavailable due to injuries, O’Shea will have to rely on a mix of youth and experience. Adam Idah will be tasked with leading the line, hoping to exploit any gaps in Hungary’s defence.
Key Tactical Battles
The midfield clash between Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Ireland’s Josh Cullen will be critical. Szoboszlai’s ability to create chances and score goals will test Cullen’s defensive capabilities and Ireland’s midfield organisation. Additionally, the duel between Adam Idah and Hungary’s defensive trio, particularly Willi Orban, will be crucial in determining whether Ireland can find a breakthrough.
Gameplay Predictions
Hungary are expected to dominate possession, leveraging their well-structured midfield and attacking prowess. Rossi’s side will likely employ a high press to disrupt Ireland’s build-up play and create scoring opportunities through quick transitions. Szoboszlai and Sallai will be central to Hungary’s attacking moves, aiming to exploit Ireland’s defensive vulnerabilities.
On the other hand, Ireland may adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and looking to hit Hungary on the counter-attack. With a five-man backline, Ireland will aim to absorb pressure and rely on quick breaks led by Adam Idah and Michael Johnston.
Expected Goals (xG) Analysis
Hungary’s offensive statistics are impressive, averaging 2 goals per game in the qualifiers. Their ability to create high-quality chances is reflected in their xG, supported by players like Szoboszlai and Varga who have been in fine form. Hungary’s total shots per game average stands at 15.1, indicating a potent attack that will challenge Ireland’s defence.
The Republic of Ireland, however, have struggled offensively, averaging just 1.1 goals per game in their qualifiers. Their xG reflects a team that has found it difficult to create and convert chances, compounded by injuries to key attacking players.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Hungary’s Strengths:
- Unbeaten Streak: Hungary’s 14-game unbeaten run demonstrates their consistency and resilience.
- Midfield Creativity: Szoboszlai’s ability to create and score goals provides Hungary with a significant attacking threat.
- Defensive Solidity: Hungary have kept multiple clean sheets in recent matches, highlighting their defensive strength.
Weaknesses:
- Reliance on Key Players: Hungary’s success is heavily reliant on Szoboszlai and Varga, making them vulnerable if these players are marked out of the game.
- Potential Over-Rotation: Rossi’s plan to rotate the squad heavily might disrupt team cohesion.
Republic of Ireland’s Strengths:
- Defensive Organisation: Ireland’s five-man defence can be difficult to break down when well-organised.
- Set-Piece Threat: With tall defenders and strong aerial presence, Ireland can be dangerous from set-pieces.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Firepower: Ireland’s struggles in front of goal have been evident, with only one goal in their last four matches.
- Injury Concerns: The absence of several key players weakens both their defence and attack.
Managerial Critique
Marco Rossi has done an outstanding job with Hungary, instilling a disciplined and effective system that maximises the strengths of his squad. His tactical flexibility and ability to adapt during matches have been crucial to Hungary’s success. However, his decision to rotate the squad heavily in warm-up matches could be risky if it disrupts team chemistry.
John O’Shea faces a daunting task in turning around the fortunes of the Republic of Ireland. His defensive approach might be necessary given the team’s current form and injuries, but it has also highlighted their offensive limitations. O’Shea needs to find a balance between defence and attack to give Ireland a fighting chance.
Betting Angles and Predictions
Best Bet for the Match: Hungary to Win and Both Teams to Score
Hungary’s strong form and Ireland’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest that Hungary will likely win this match. Given Ireland’s potential to score from set-pieces, betting on Hungary to win with both teams scoring provides a balanced risk-reward scenario.
Correct Score Prediction: Hungary 2-1 Republic of Ireland
Considering Hungary’s attacking prowess and Ireland’s defensive approach, a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Hungary is plausible. Hungary’s ability to create chances and Ireland’s set-piece threat should see both teams finding the net.
Goalscorer Prediction: Dominik Szoboszlai to Score Anytime
Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal-scoring record and his role as Hungary’s main creative force make him a prime candidate to score in this match. His ability to score from open play and set-pieces adds to his threat.
First Team to Score: Hungary
Given Hungary’s attacking form and Ireland’s recent struggles, Hungary are likely to score first. Their high press and quick transitions should create early opportunities.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Corners Over 9.5
Both teams average a significant number of corners per game, with Ireland at 7 and Hungary at 5.3. Given the attacking nature of Hungary and Ireland’s reliance on set-pieces, predicting over 9.5 corners is reasonable.
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