Ireland's home advantage might just be the difference in what should otherwise be a very close affair.
19:45 Saturday
The first game of Ireland and Hungary’s World Cup qualification campaign gets underway tonight at the Aviva Stadium. Both sides will be looking to start Group F with a statement performance.
Ireland vs Hungary Prediction
- Republic of Ireland have started 2025 on the back foot, but enter this World Cup qualifying opener with optimism. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side are unbeaten in their last three internationals at the Aviva Stadium and have a strong recent record against Hungary, winning two of the last three meetings — including a 2-1 friendly victory last year.
- Hungary arrive in patchy form, with just three wins in their last 14 matches and relegation from Nations League A. While Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez bring quality, Ireland’s home advantage and returning key players could tip the balance.
- With Troy Parrott out, Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson will lead the line. Expect a closely contested match, but Ireland’s form and history suggest a narrow win.
Score Prediction: Ireland 2-1 Hungary
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Ireland vs Hungary Lineups
Predicted lineups are presented by WhoScored.com.
Ireland Predicted Lineup vs Hungary
Caoimhin Kelleher, Ryan Manning, Dara O’Shea, Nathan Collins, Matt Doherty, Finn Azaz, Jason Knight, Josh Cullen, Mikey Johnston, Evan Ferguson, Adam Idah
Hungary Predicted Lineup vs Ireland
Dénes Dibusz, Milos Kerkez, Attila Szalai, Willi Orbán, Loïc Négo, Barna Tóth, András Schäfer, Roland Sallai, Dominik Szoboszlai, Bendegúz Bolla, Barnabás Varga
Ireland vs Hungary Team News
Ireland:
- Troy Parrott is out injured after scoring 10 goals in 7 games for AZ.
- Adam Idah and Evan Ferguson expected to lead the attack.
- Gavin Bazunu returns from a knee injury but will compete with Kelleher for the No.1 spot.
- Chiedozie Ogbene is back from an Achilles issue.
- Bosun Lawal and Johnny Kenny receive first senior call-ups.
- Seamus Coleman remains sidelined.
Hungary:
- Dominik Szoboszlai expected to start after scoring a free-kick for Liverpool last weekend.
- Milos Kerkez set to start in defence.
- Willi Orbán will anchor the backline.
- Barnabás Varga likely to start up front after scoring 10 goals in 11 games for Ferencváros.
- Daniel Lukacs, Rajmund Molnar, Barna Tóth, and Bence Otvos all called up and uncapped.
Ireland vs Hungary Odds
| Result | Best Odds |
|---|---|
| Ireland | 7/4 |
| Draw | 9/4 |
| Hungary | 19/10 |
Ireland vs Hungary Bet Builder Tips
Our bet builder tips for Ireland vs Hungary include Evan Ferguson Anytime Goalscorer, Dominik Szoboszlai 1+ Shot on Target & Dominik Szoboszlai 2+ Fouls.
At the time of publishing it is a best price of 10/1 with Paddy Power.
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Evan Ferguson – Anytime Goalscorer
Ferguson's goal scoring record with Ireland isn't too impressive with five goals in 22 appearances but we might just see a new player after his move to Roma in the summer. He showed he still has that clinical finishing he became known for when bagging four goals on his debut in a friendly for Roma and has scored twice in his last six games for Ireland. -
Dominik Szoboszlai – 1+ Shot on Target
Hungary’s captain and set-piece specialist is always a danger from range. He enters this game brimming with confidence after a spectacular strike against Arsenal. He averages 1 shot on target per game for Hungary and 2.5 shots. -
Dominik Szoboszlai – 2+ Fouls
There were 25 fouls in this fixture when these two sides met in June last year so expect a fiesty affair. A player who isn't afraid to get involved in a challenge is Dominik Szoboslai. He often does the dirty work for Slot in Liverpool's midfield and we have seen similar in this Hungary side. He averages 1.32 fouls per game in his last 10 and has had 2+ fouls in four of those games. He fouled twice last time these sides met.
