Hungary vs Ireland prediction: EUROPE: World Cup – Qualification betting tips on match 2025-11-15 14:00.
[p]Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 win over Portugal has kept their hopes of automatic FIFA World Cup qualification (WCQ) alive ahead of a matchday six meeting with Hungary, who are also in contention.[/p]
[p]Match News and Current Form[/p]
[p]Hungary’s 1-0 win over Armenia on Thursday means that they are firmly in contention to reach their first World Cup since 1986. The Magyars occupy second place and the play-off spot ahead of kick-off, but as they only trail Portugal by two points, an unlikely slip-up from the group leaders could open the door for automatic progression. Marco Rossi’s side must hold up their end of the bargain though, and that’s not a given on home soil where a 2-0 victory over Armenia last month ended a six-match winless streak on their own turf (D3, L3).[/p]
[p]After Thursday’s momentous victory, Ireland’s task is clear, as a win over Hungary will guarantee them at least a play-off, though automatic progression looks to be beyond them barring an improbable Armenia victory over Portugal. Boss Heimir HallgrĂmsson was keen to stress it’s “only half-time” in their bid to retain hope of a first World Cup finals appearance since 2002, and the Boys in Green can take nothing for granted on the road where they’ve failed to win their last three games while scoring just once (D1 L2).[/p]
[p]Head-to-Head History[/p]
[p]Ireland are unbeaten across the last seven H2Hs (W3, D4), keeping clean sheets in four of those games. Hungary squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in the reverse fixture in September.[/p]
[p]Hot Stats and Streaks[/p]
[p]Hungary have scored first in all five of their WCQ games in this cycle. [/p]
[p]Three of Hungary’s last five WCQ matches have produced over 3.5 goals.[/p]
[p]Ireland have seen their opposition receive a red card in three of their five WCQ games in this cycle, including Hungary in the reverse fixture.[/p]
[p]Only one of Ireland’s last nine matches has been decided by more than a one-goal margin. [/p]
[p]Key Players to Watch and Missing Players[/p]
[p]Hungary’s Barnabás Varga netted the winner against Armenia to score for the sixth time in his last seven appearances for club or country, with five of those goals serving as the opening goal for his side on the day. Ireland’s Adam Idah was on target in the reverse fixture but hasn’t been on the winning side in any of his three scoring appearances for club or country this season (D2, L1). [/p]
[p]Neither side seem to have any fresh absentees. [/p]
[p]For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.[/p]
[p]Betting Analysis[/p]
[p]Given what is at stake and the narrow points gap between the sides, we expect a cagey affair that produces under 2.5 goals. [/p]
[p][i]Author: Alex Bowmer[/i][/p]