Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction - Nations League

This Saturday sees second-place host third in a crucial Nations League Group A3 showdown and Jack Wright is on hand with his Netherlands vs Hungary prediction, team news and lineups preview. Both sides are locked on five points, making this a must-win game for either team to secure a top-two finish and a spot in the quarter-finals.

Germany have already booked their place in the last eight after beating the Netherlands 1-0 on Matchday 4. Now Ronald Koeman’s side and Marco Rossi’s Hungary are battling it out for the other quarter-final berth. A Netherlands win would secure their place in the knockouts, while Hungary need a victory to keep their dream of reaching the last eight alive.

• Netherlands vs Hungary Tip 1: Hungary +1.5 Asian Handicap
• Netherlands vs Hungary Tip 2: Dominik Szoboszlai over 0.5 shots on target
• Netherlands vs Hungary Tip 3: Over 4.0 Asian total cards

Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction 1: Magyars can pip Oranje in battle to qualify

UEFA, Nations League, Saturday, November 16th, 19:45 (UK)

Whoever wins this clash guarantees a top two place in the group and a spot in the last eight. A draw wouldn’t be the worst result for Netherlands given they face Bosnia on the final Matchday with Hungary hosting Germany. As a consequence the +1.5 handicap for the visitors looks an interesting angle of attack.  

The reverse fixture earlier in this Nations League campaign finished 1-1, with Donyell Malen’s opener being cancelled out by a late Roland Sallai strike. Although that result means the Dutch are unbeaten in 10 games against Hungary you surely have to discount historicals here as prior to that draw the last meeting was over a decade ago. 

The Magyars went into this summer’s Euros with two defeats in 20 internationals including impressive away wins over England and Germany in this competition. As a result they were many people’s dark horses but it never quite clicked for them and that looked set to continue after a 5-0 thumping by the Germans on Matchday 1. 

Marco Rossi’s men have looked more like their usual selves across three subsequent unbeaten games keeping two clean sheets. While the Dutch have conceded twice in both home games this campaign.

That shakiness at the back has led to a run of just one win in five but the hosts are still very warm favourites with the traders. However, Hungary’s resilient and organised style of play could make life difficult for Koeman’s side, and the +1.5 handicap provides a valuable cushion.

• Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction 1: Hungary +1.5 Asian Handicap (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.85
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 6/10

Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction 2: Goal hungry Dominik to Szobos-score again

One of the theories as to why Hungary underwhelmed at the European Championship was because their talisman and skipper Dominik Szoboszlai had endured a tough first season at Liverpool. The 24-year-old did seem short on confidence as he struggled for his touch in the opening exchanges. 

However, since the arrival of Arne Slot at Anfield over the summer a rejuvenated Szoboszlai has quickly established himself as a key player under the new manager. The Hungarian midfielder has been in excellent form for both club and country, opening the scoring in three of Hungary’s last four matches, including netting both goals in the 2-0 victory over the Bosnians last time out. 

Szoboszlai had a shot on target in each of his last two games at the Euros and has followed that up with eight shots in his last three Nations League fixtures, two of which were on target. I fancy him to have at least one shot on target against the Dutch as he looks to punish a defence that has looked shaky at times.

He has been here before after all and seems to thrive on it. Scoring crucial goals against Iceland and England to help his country qualify for major tournaments and perform well on the big stage.

• Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction 2: Dominik Szoboszlai over 0.5 shots on target (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.25
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 8/10

Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction 3: Card-inal sin to miss this low bookings line for main Man

Finally, my best bet is for over 4.0 Asian total cards. A quick look at the disciplinary table of Group A3 may lead to a raised eyebrow at this selection given both sides sit at the top with a combined total of eight yellow and one red card from their opening four fixtures. 

The key here being Spanish official Jesús Gil Manzano is our referee. He tops La Liga averages this season having shown an incredible 35 yellow and three red cards in just five appearances. Unsurprisingly each of those games has crossed the line needed here.

With a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals on the line, the stakes are high, and we anticipate the players will be fully committed, potentially leading to some strong challenges and dark arts come the later stages. Manzano’s reputation as a strict official who is not afraid to delve into his pocket will only add to the potential for a card-filled encounter.

This bet has landed in three of Netherlands four games and in two of Hungary’s including when they met in the reverse. Manzano’s last appearance on the international stage saw him brandish seven yellow cards when officiating Austria vs France at the Euros. 

A reminder that if there are exactly four cards (yellows count as one, a red as two and a player sent off for two yellows counting as a total of three) then we get a full refund on our stake. We pocket the win with five or more.

• Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction 3: Over 4.0 Asian total cards (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 1.90
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10

Netherlands vs Hungary Prediction odds via bet365 as at 09:00, November 14th, 2024. Odds may now differ.

Netherlands vs Hungary Team News: Frenkie de-light and Memphis Despair

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman expects Frenkie de Jong to make his long-awaited international comeback in Amsterdam on Saturday when they host Hungary. However, Koeman said striker Memphis Depay was not fit enough or good enough to be picked in his squad. De Jong last played for the Dutch 14 months ago in a European Championship qualifier against Ireland, but Koeman expects the Barcelona midfielder to be available as the injury that led to him being subbed off last weekend had nothing to do with his original issue.

On the other hand, Marco Rossi has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from with no apparent injuries or suspensions.

Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Hato; Reijnders, Gravenberch, Timber; Simons, Brobbey, Gakpo;

Hungary possible starting lineup:
Dibusz; Botka, Orban, Fiola; Bolla, Nikitscher, Schafer, Nagy; Sallai, Varga, Szoboszlai

Match OPTA Stats: Hungary’s tackle appetite can put squeeze on Oranje

• Hungary have earned Nations League promotions in 2019 and 2021
• Netherlands have enjoyed the most possession in Group A3, averaging 60% per game 
• Hungary have both won more tackles per game (18) and committed more fouls per game (14.8) than each of their group opponents.
• The Netherlands are currently ranked by FIFA at their highest point since 2014 (5th)

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