Hungary vs Turkey: betting odds 23 Mar 2025

The second leg of the 2024/25 Nations League playoff between Hungary and Turkey will take place on March 23 at the Puskás Arena in Budapest. The score of the first match was 3-1 in favor of Turkey. Hungary vs. Turkey: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Hungary

Marco Rossi's team predictably handed possession to the Turks in the first meeting, playing a counter-attacking style. Despite conceding territorial control, Hungary was more dangerous in attack, taking more shots on goal, but only one of their six shots on target found the back of the net (1-3). To remain in League A, Hungary needs a large-margin victory. If the second leg ends with a two-goal win for the hosts, extra time will be played. It's worth noting that Hungary has not won in this tournament in three consecutive matches (1 draw and 2 losses).

• In the last eight Nations League matches, Hungary has secured just one victory (3 draws and 4 losses).
• At least two goals have been scored in Hungary's last five matches in this tournament.
• Hungary has not scored more than one goal in 8 of their last 9 Nations League games.

Predicted lineup for Hungary (3-4-2-1)

Denes Dibusz – Marton Dardai, Willi Orban, Attila Fiola – Zsolt Nagy, Andras Schafer, Tamas Nikiher, Bendeguz Bolla – Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez – Barnabas Varga.

Midfielder Andras Schafer and defender Zsolt Nagy will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation.

Turkey

The first match surprisingly turned out to be high-scoring, despite an xG of 0.7:0.94 in favor of Hungary. Turkey managed to win with a confident two-goal margin thanks to their efficient finishing, with all three shots on target resulting in goals. Vincenzo Montella's side has lost only once in their last seven Nations League matches (4 wins and 2 draws). To debut in League A, Turkey just needs to avoid losing the second leg, and even a one-goal defeat would suffice.

• At least two goals have been scored in 14 of Turkey's last 17 Nations League matches.
• Turkey has not lost in 11 of their last 13 matches in this tournament (8 wins and 3 draws).

Predicted lineup for Turkey (4-4-2)

Ugurcan Cakir – Kaan Ayhan, Samet Akaydin, Evren Elmali, Abdülkerim Bardakci – Orkun Kökcü, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Oguz Aydin, Hakan Çalhanoğlu – Kenan Yildiz, Kenan Yildiz.

Midfielder Orkun Kökcü is suspended for this match.

Referee

Felix Zwayer (Germany)

Matches – 10 (International matches, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 60;

Average yellow cards per match – 6;

Red cards shown – 6;

Average fouls per match – 22;

Penalties – 30%.

Hungary vs. Turkey: Match Prediction

The hosts have no choice but to attack from the first minutes of the return leg. Hungary was active in the first game, but luck was not on their side when finishing attacks. I am confident that they will perform much better at home, and if they manage to score an early goal, the intrigue in this encounter will take on a new dimension. Moreover, Hungary has decent home statistics, having lost only to Italy in their last eight Nations League matches (2 wins and 5 draws).

In June 2020, Hungary managed to defeat Turkey at home with a score of 2-0. Additionally, Hungary had not lost to this opponent in four consecutive official matches before the first meeting (3 wins and 1 draw). It should be noted that Turkey's away performance in this tournament is not impressive – in their last 10 away matches, they have won three times (3 draws and 4 losses). Their victories came against Iceland, Luxembourg, and Lithuania.

My prediction: Hungary with a handicap (0)