It might be both sides' first World Cup qualifying game, but both Ireland and Hungary will be aware of the importance of their clash at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
With Portugal heavy favourites to qualify automatically from a four-team group, it is set to be a three-way scrap for the playoff spot, with Armenia also in the running.
Ireland have not qualified for the World Cup since 2002 but results have picked up of late under Heimir Hallgrimsson, and three points feels near-necessary if they are to have a chance of competing in the US, Canada and Mexico next summer.
Hungary were once a global football power, finishing runners up twice in the nine World Cups they played in between 1934 and 1986. They have not qualified since, but with Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez in their ranks, Marco Rossi's men may never have a better opportunity.
The Sporting News has all the latest odds, tips and predictions for this crunch fixture.
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Ireland vs. Hungary prediction and odds
It would be a surprise if this was anything but a cagey affair from start to finish.
Ireland come into the game in better form than the Hungarians though, and with a raucous crowd behind them, could just get over the line for a major victory.
The boys in green are slight favourites at 8/5 with Ladbrokes, with Hungary at 7/4. The draw is 19/10.
The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Ireland 1-0 Hungary
- Ireland to beat Hungary at the Aviva Stadium is given a 38.5% probability by Ladbrokes.
- Learn more about reading odds, different types of bets and the best online betting sites through our how to bet on football guide
Ireland vs. Hungary expected lineups
Here's how we think these two sides will line up in Dublin.
Ireland lineup (4-4-2, right to left)
- Kelleher (GK) — Doherty, Collins, O'Shea, Manning — Johnston, Cullen, Knight, Azaz — Idah, Ferguson
Injured: Troy Parrott
Suspended: None
Hungary lineup (4-3-3, right to left)
- Dibusz (GK) — Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez — Toth, Szoboszlai, Schafer — Lukacs, Varga, Sallai
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Ireland vs. Hungary latest odds, correct score betting
Our 1-0 prediction is at good odds with Ladbrokes, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here's a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers.
Result | Odds* |
Ireland 1-0 | |
Hungary 1-0 | |
Ireland 2-1 | |
Hungary 2-1 | |
1-1 draw |
*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.
Back your correct score pick with Sky Bet for £50 in FREE bets when you bet £10 on accas
Ireland vs. Hungary team news
- Troy Parrott is the big absentee for Ireland, with the red hot AZ striker forced to pull out of the squad with injury.
- There is the welcome return of Gavin Bazunu and Chiedozie Ogbene after long-term injuries, but neither is expected to start here.
- Hungary have no injury concerns, and will hope captain Szoboszlai can bring his brilliant club form onto the international stage.
Ireland vs. Hungary Bet Builder tips
Our bet builder for this one is Ireland to win, both teams not to score and Hungary to have more corners. That is currently just under 9/1 with Bet365.
You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.
How to watch Ireland vs. Hungary: Live stream, TV channel
- Date: Saturday, September 6
- Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
- Time: 7:45 p.m. BST
- TV/Stream: Amazon Prime PPV