Turkey vs Hungary Predictions

Turkey vs Hungary Predictions for this Nations League promotion play-off. Turkey host Hungary in Istanbul on Thursday for the first leg of their UEFA Nations League playoffs. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Nations League | Mar 20, 2025 at 5pm UK at Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadi (Istanbul)

Turkey vs Hungary Predictions

Can Turkey Finally Break Their Hungary Curse?

• Turkey’s Home Defensive Strength
  • Turkey have won four of their last six home matches, keeping a clean sheet in three of those victories. Their defensive solidity will be crucial in a tense playoff setting.
• Hungary’s Goal Struggles Away from Home
  • Hungary have failed to score in two of their last three Nations League away fixtures, highlighting their inconsistency in front of goal when playing outside Budapest.
• Hungary’s Dominance Over Turkey
  • Hungary have avoided defeat in their last five meetings with Turkey, winning four and keeping three consecutive clean sheets against them. That psychological advantage could play a role in how they approach this fixture.

Best Bet for Turkey vs Hungary

The stage is set for a tense UEFA Nations League playoff first leg as Turkey welcome Hungary to Istanbul. With promotion to League A on the line, both teams will be desperate to seize the advantage before the return fixture in Budapest.

Turkey, under the guidance of Vincenzo Montella, finished second in their group but will be disappointed at missing out on automatic promotion after leading the table heading into the final matchday. A 3-1 defeat to Montenegro proved costly, but their strong home record—unbeaten in their last eight Nations League matches on home soil—should give them confidence.

Hungary, meanwhile, finished third in a brutally tough group featuring Germany and the Netherlands. A 5-0 hammering by the Germans and a 4-0 loss to the Dutch highlighted their defensive frailties, but they steadied the ship towards the end of the campaign. Despite their struggles, Hungary have a psychological edge over Turkey, having gone unbeaten in their last five encounters, including a 1-0 victory earlier this year.

Both sides have key absentees, particularly Turkey, who are without Merih Demiral and Arda Güler through suspension. Hungary, however, are boosted by the return of their talisman Dominik Szoboszlai, who will be eager to make an impact. This clash promises to be a battle of resilience, with both teams wary of taking too many risks before the second leg.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – No

Here at BettingTips4You, we focus on quality over quantity, providing just one carefully selected prediction per match. For this encounter, the best bet is Both Teams to Score – No, as we expect a tight and cautious affair.

The reasoning behind this selection is grounded in both teams’ recent form and tactical approaches. Turkey, despite their attacking talent, have kept clean sheets in three of their last six home matches, showing a solid defensive structure. Montella will likely set his side up to be compact, especially given the absence of key attacking options.

Hungary, on the other hand, have struggled for goals away from home, failing to score in two of their last three away Nations League matches. Their attack often relies on Szoboszlai’s creativity, but against a well-organised Turkish defence, chances could be limited. Marco Rossi’s men are also known for being defensively disciplined when required, and they have shut out Turkey in each of their last three meetings.

Another key factor is the nature of this two-legged tie. Neither side will want to take unnecessary risks, knowing that any defensive lapses could prove costly in the return leg. The first goal, if it comes, could be decisive, and Hungary in particular might be content to play a cagey, defensive game in the hope of capitalising at home.

BettingTips4You.com expert Gram Dodd weighs in on this selection:

“With both sides missing key players and a second leg looming, this could be a low-scoring affair. Hungary’s defensive discipline and Turkey’s strong home form suggest that at least one team will draw a blank. Expect a game of patience rather than fireworks.“

Given the statistics, history, and the tactical setup of both teams, a 1-0 Turkey win looks the most probable scoreline. The hosts should be able to edge it, but Hungary’s resilience means it will likely be a tight contest.

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