Armenia vs Hungary
World Cup, KO:
17:00 ,
Republican Stadium
Two nations battling for second spot in Group F meet in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Yerevan on Thursday night, as fourth-placed Armenia hosts second-placed Hungary.
Hungary made a disappointing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, as they threw away a two-goal lead in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland – on an evening where two of my selections landed – before losing 2-3 at home to Portugal.
However, Marco Rossi’s men then claimed a 2-0 victory at home to Armenia before claiming another 2-2 draw away from home, this time in Lisbon, thanks to a stoppage-time equaliser by captain Dominik Szoboszlai.
A win in Yerevan and an Irish defeat at home to group leaders Portugal on Thursday night would be enough to seal a playoff spot in Group F for the Magyars.
Armenia head into this clash currently bottom of Group F, picking up just three points from their opening four qualifiers.
Yegishe Melikyan’s hosts have suffered defeats at home to Portugal and away at both Hungary and the Republic of Ireland, but they did defeat The Boys in Green 2-1 at home on MD2.
How the bookies view it: Hungary favourites
Despite playing away from home, Hungary are favourites to claim all three points in this clash, with an away success priced at just 4/7 at BOYLE Sports.
Armenia are 4/1 underdogs to make it consecutive home wins with the same firm, whilst the draw is 14/5.
Head to head: Two on the spin for the Magyars?
Last month was the first time these two nations have faced each other in a competitive fixture, with Hungary winning by two goals to nil at the Puskas Arena.
Players to watch: Varga to bag again?
Barnabas Varga has had a sensational start to the campaign for his club side Ferencvaros, firing in an impressive 18 goals across his 22 appearances in league and Europe.
Varga has also scored in Dublin against the Republic of Ireland and bagged a brace at home to Portugal for Hungary in this World Cup qualifying campaign, and the 11/10 on offer at Bet365 for him to strike again appeals to me here.
Predicted line-ups:
Armenia will be without Tigran Barseghyan through suspension following his red card against the Republic of Ireland last time out.
Hungary appear to have a fully fit squad, with Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai captaining the Magyars.
Armenia: Avagyan, Piloyan, Muradyan, Mktrchyan, Hovhannisyan, Ivu, Sperstian, Tiknizyan, Miranyan, Shaghoyan, Ranos
Hungary: Toth, Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez, Styles, Schafer, Szoboszlai, Bolla, Sallai, Varga
Anything else catch the eye?
After taking a solitary point from their opening two qualifiers, Hungary have gone on to beat Armenia 2-0 at home before claiming a crucial point in Lisbon against Portugal.
Armenia, on the other hand, have lost three of their four qualifiers – failing to score in each of those defeats – and I reckon the Hungarians will be too strong for their hosts.
The Magyars have scored multiple goals in all four of their qualifiers, and a Hungary Win & Over 1.5 Goals pays 5/6 at BOYLE Sports, which appeals to me here.
Armenia vs Hungary Betting Tips & Predictions
Hungary to Win & Over 1.5 Goals
5/6
Boylesports
Barnabas Varga to Score Anytime
11/10
Bet365
Further Reading
