UEFA Nations League - Netherlands VS Hungary Prediction
UEFA Nations League - Netherlands VS Hungary
Match Time:17-11-2024 03:45 Sunday (UTC+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
Netherlands
The Netherlands face defensive challenges ahead of their Nations League showdown with Hungary. Key defenders Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Ian Maatsen are all unavailable, limiting Ronald Koeman’s options at the back. However, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has returned to the squad after missing last month’s matches, providing some relief in defence.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong provided a scare over the weekend after coming off at half-time in Barcelona’s loss to Real Sociedad. But it was just a knock to the shin, not an aggravation of his previous ankle injury. He is expected to be available for Saturday’s game, potentially partnering with Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. Unfortunately, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is ruled out due to recent ankle surgery.
In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Bart Verbruggen is likely to start in goal. The defensive line will feature Denzel Dumfries at right-back, Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk as the central defenders, and Jorrel Hato at left-back, making up a restructured back four due to the various absences.
In central midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch will likely form a double pivot, providing a blend of defensive coverage and playmaking ability. The attacking trio behind the lone striker will consist of Donyell Malen on the right wing, Tijjani Reijnders in the central role, and Cody Gakpo on the left wing, adding creativity and pace to the formation.
Wout Weghorst is expected to lead the line as the central striker, utilizing his physical presence to hold up play and connect with the midfield and wingers.
Hungary
Hungary will be without their most experienced defender, Attila Fiola, who misses this match due to suspension after accumulating too many bookings. Marton Dardai is expected to step into the back three to cover Fiola’s absence, joining a defensive line that will need to be resilient against the Netherlands.
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is set to make his 50th appearance for Hungary. Despite facing competition for starts at Liverpool, Szoboszlai remains a key figure for the national team and will occupy one of the two no. 10 roles. Roland Sallai, who has also scored 14 goals for Hungary, is expected to support the attack alongside Szoboszlai, with Barnabas Varga from Ferencvaros likely to lead the line as the central striker.
In a 3-4-2-1 formation, Dénes Dibusz is set to start as the goalkeeper. The back three will feature Marton Dardai on the left, Willi Orban as the central defender, and Endre Botka on the right, forming a solid defensive trio in Fiola’s absence.
In midfield, Bendeguz Bolla will take the right wing-back role, while Tamas Nikitscher and Andras Schafer will operate centrally, providing both defensive coverage and ball progression. Milos Kerkez will play as the left wing-back, offering width and additional support in both defence and attack.
In the two advanced midfield roles, Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai will provide creativity and offensive support, aiming to connect with and assist the central striker. Barnabas Varga is expected to lead the attack, using his goalscoring abilities to challenge the Dutch defence.
Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Hato; De Jong, Gravenberch; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Weghorst
Hungary possible starting lineup:
Dibusz; Dardai, Orban, Botka; Bolla, Nikitscher, Schafer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga
Netherlands vs Hungary Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The Netherlands have a good historical record against Hungary and have won 10 out of the 18 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Hungary's five victories.
The Netherlands are winless in their last three matches in all competitions on the international stage, with their previous victory coming by a 5-2 margin against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League in September this year.
Hungary are unbeaten in their last three matches in all competitions on the international stage, with their previous defeat coming by a 5-0 margin at the hands of Germany in the UEFA Nations League in September this year.
The Netherlands have conceded at least one goal in each of their last six games in all competitions, with their previous clean sheet coming in a 3-0 victory against Romania in July this year
Prediciton: Netherlands 1-0 Hungary
Saturday's intriguing battle ought to be as close as the standings suggest it will be, especially as the Netherlands are missing a chief creator in Simons who can unlock the most rigid of defences. Hungary's best hope will surely be to hit Koeman's men on the counter, but the Dutch should break through the rearguard-heavy Magyars at least once before shutting up shop to nab a coveted quarter-final place.
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