After a famous win over Portugal, Ireland know nothing but a repeat will do in Hungary if they are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Staring down the barrel of elimination, the Boys in Green pulled out their best and biggest win in close to a decade at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday night with Troy Parrott making himself a national hero with a brilliant brace.
The win ensured Ireland stay just a point behind Hungary, who had defeated Armenia earlier in the day, and makes their clash in Budapest a straight shootout for second place and a spot in March's playoff.
The two sides met in the opening game of the group in which Hungary took a 2-0 lead in Dublin before having a man sent off and conceding twice in the second half. Another draw will do for the Hungarians but Ireland simply have to win. Either way, it's unlikely to be repeat score line with a cagey and tense night in store.
Can Ireland do it again or will Hungary hold onto second place? AllSportsPeople brings you this betting preview complete with the latest tips and odds.
Hungary vs. Ireland preview: Who will win?
Hungary are the bookmakers' favourites to win here but only need a draw to make the playoffs. While that puts things further in their favour, playing for a point is risky business and it will be very interesting see how Marco Rossi approaches this one.
It could play into Ireland's hands, who should be incredibly confident following the heroics of Thursday night. It might just be another famous day for the Boys in Green.
MORE: Full guide to the World Cup draw | Who is favourite to win the tournament?
Head-to-Head: Hungary vs. Ireland
- September's 2-2 draw was the 14th meeting between the two countries.
- Hungary have won four, Ireland three and there has been six other draws.
Hungary vs. Ireland: Form Guide
Hungary – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Armenia 0-1 Hungary (UEFA WCQ)
- Portugal 2-2 Hungary (UEFA WCQ)
- Hungary 2-0 Armenia (UEFA WCQ)
- Hungary 2-3 Portugal (UEFA WCQ)
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary (UEFA WCQ)
Ireland – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Ireland 2-0 Portugal (UEFA WCQ)
- Ireland 1-0 Armenia (UEFA WCQ)
- Portugal 1-0 Ireland (UEFA WCQ)
- Armenia 2-1 Ireland (UEFA WCQ)
- Ireland 2-2 Hungary (UEFA WCQ)
Hungary vs. Ireland Score Prediction
Ireland rarely win away from home and when they do, it is almost always by the odd goal and in a very low-scoring game.
If they are to complete a remarkable recovery, that is the likely scenario, and we are tipping them to do just that. Could Parrott be the hero again?
Prediction: Hungary 0-1 Ireland (10/1 with Paddy Power)
Hungary vs. Ireland Team News
Hungary Team News
- Barring any last minute injuries, Marco Rossi is set to name the same side that won in Yerevan on Thursday night.
- Barnabas Varga was the matchwinner there and will lead the line for his country on another pivotal night.
Ireland Team News
- There's very little need for Hallgrimsson to make any changes after the glory of Thursday but Ryan Manning may come in after sitting out the win due to a one-game ban.
- He offers more natural width than Liam Scales and with Ireland needing to win, that will be needed.
Hungary vs. Ireland Lineups: Predicted starting XI's
This is how we think these two sides will lineup in Budapest with Ryan Manning returning to the Irish lineup and Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai captaining Hungary.
Hungary predicted lineup to play Ireland
(4-3-3) Dibusz (GK) — Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez — Schafer, Styles, Szoboszlai — Bolla, Varga, Sallai
Ireland predicted lineup to play Hungary
(5-3-2) Kelleher (GK) — Coleman, O'Brien, Collins, O'Shea, Manning — Taylor, Cullen, Azaz — Ogbene, Parrott
Hungary vs. Ireland betting odds
- Hungary to Win: 17/20 with AK Bets
- Ireland to Win: 17/5 with Coral
- Draw: 27/10 with Bet365
Bet builder tips: Hungary vs. Ireland
Our bet builder for this one is Ireland to win, both teams not to score and under 1.5 goals. That comes in at overall odds of 9/1 on Spreadex or 8/1 on Paddy Power.
MORE: Top November events | How odds work | How to bet in-play | Free betting games
How to watch Hungary vs. Ireland: Live stream, TV channel
Here's all the key information on how to watch Hungary vs. Ireland.
- Date: Sunday, November 16
- Venue: Puskas Arena, Budapest
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- TV/Stream: Amazon Prime