Backs to the wall job for Szoboszlai-less Hungary
Hungary host Poland to kick off their campaign in Group I, likely to be the two teams fighting for the playoff spot behind England in this six team league. The hosts are without 20-year-old star man Dominik Szoboszlai through injury and in that are likely to look to contain Poland who boast incredible attacking depth, a squad that has the quality to compete with the Three Lions for top spot. It was Szoboszlai’s breathtaking solo goal that earned them a spot at the Euros, late on in the playoffs against Iceland, however despite that high they come into this one as outsiders on paper, their strength lies in defensive areas.
Group I
It is a very kind group in terms of chasing second spot for these two nations with San Marino and Andorra looking an easy six points for every side. Albania then bridge the gap between the minnows and these two, despite making the Euros in 2016 they are not a nation on the level of these two. Hungary and Poland have a rich history in international football and are up there in terms of the strongest teams in Eastern Europe, there is a lot of pride on the line in this fixture, though Poland go in as rightful favourites.
The two have not faced off since 2011 with just a handful of survivors making these squads so the past head-to-heads do not provide much insight. Hungary recently earned promotion to League A of the Nations League, topping a group with Russia, Serbia and Turkey, very impressive given the talent those nations boast. Spirits and belief will be high but in terms of quality they are the lesser nation. They have set up in a 3-5-2 system of late and that would be advisable in this one, residing in a low block with a back five could be a good way to frustrate Poland. RB Leipzig’s Peter Gulacsi and Willi Orban will be pivotal performers if they can get a positive result here.
Goals?
The impetus is on Poland to take the reigns in this match but not blessed with great pace or skill they may find it tough to break down the resolute Hungarians.
- Hungary have scored in eight of 10.
- Hungary have conceded in six of 10.
- Hungary have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- Hungary have seen over 2.5 goals in four of 10.
- Poland have scored in seven of 10.
- Poland have conceded in seven of 10.
- Poland have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- Poland have seen over 2.5 goals in six of 10.
Without Szoboszlai Hungary are not the same proposition he carried them on his back to Euro qualification, in the absence of that attacking thrust a draw here would be a good result.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Both sides will probably content after a goal crazy second half leaves the score level at 3-3.