Prediction: Hungary vs Netherlands

Verdict: Netherlands win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Getting their Nations League adventure back underway on Friday night, the Netherlands will travel to Hungary on Friday night.

Hungary

Starting with the hosts, while Hungary might have received a string of plaudits when heading into their EURO 24 adventure over the summer, Marco Rossi’s camp failed to find any kind of stability on their major tournament return. Missing out on the chance to book a knockout stage ticket, the Tricolours have also failed to find any kind of Nations League boost. Getting proceedings underway with a nightmare performance against Germany on September 7th as they fell to a 5-0 drumming, Hungary have now claimed just a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Missing out on what they had billed as a potential opportunity last month as they had to settle for a 0-0 stalemate at home against Bosnia & Herzegovina, Friday’s hosts could have another tough challenge on their hands here.

Team News

Enjoying what has become a sensational start to life under new Liverpool boss Arne Slot, Dominik Szoboszlai has been included in Hungary’s squad and will lead out Rossi’s men on Friday night. However, West Brom midfielder Callum Styles has not been selected and will not feature over the next week.

Likewise, in what was a real shock announcement, Hoffenheim defender Attila Szalai has also been omitted from Rossi’s squad and will not build on his 46 international caps. Bence Gergenyi, Gabor Vas, Antal Yaakobishvili and Tamás Nikitscher have received senior call ups for a first time.

Netherlands

As for the visitors, springing an upset over the summer as they clinched a EURO 24 semi-final spot, the Netherlands do appear to have find their feet under returning boss Ronald Koeman. Getting their Nations League adventure underway with an action-packed performance on September 7th as they secured an action-packed 5-2 victory against Bosnia & Herzegovina, the one-time Barcelona boss is dreaming of the chance to mount a genuine charge this year. However, last seen playing out a pulsating 2-2 stalemate against arch-rivals Germany, Holland are seeking some crucial stability at the back. Watching their European European campaign come to an end on July 10th as they fell to a last-gasp 2-1 loss against England, Friday’s guests have recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions.

Team News

The duo of PSV star Jerdy Schouten and Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke have withdrawn from Holland’s squad after picking up respective knocks last week. Despite still waiting to make a Premier League start this season, Aston Villa’s summer recruit Ian Maatsen has been called up as cover for Koeman’s squad.

In what is a real blow for the Netherlands, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber will not feature over the next week as the ex-Ajax defender focuses on getting back to full fitness. Despite completing a move to Brazilian outfit Corinthians last month, Memphis Depay has not been included in Koeman’s Nations League squad.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Hungary and the Netherlands last met back in October 2013 for a World Cup qualifier back in October 2013, Holland collected a sensational 8-1 victory on home soil.
• In fact, the Netherlands have won each of their previous eight showdowns against Hungary across all competitions.
• Hungary have registered just a single goal from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
• The last five meetings between Hungary and the Netherlands have produced 33 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• 12 of Holland’s last 13 appearances across all competitions have finished with over 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Holland might be seeking some defensive steel, the Netherlands should be smelling a real opportunity when they return to Nations League action this weekend. Mustering four points from their opening two League A appearances last month, Koeman’s men will be looking to exploit a Hungary squad that find themselves in the midst of a real wobble. With Friday’s hosts getting their Nations League campaign with a 5-0 drumming against Germany on September 7th, they have also recorded just a single competitive strike so far this calendar year.

Verdict: Netherlands win

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster