Lithuania – Hungary : Preview & Prediction
Having played one more game than some of the other teams in Group G of the Euro Qualifiers, it’s a case of three points or nothing in this match for Lithuania. The home side picked up an impressive 2-0 win over Bulgaria away from home over the weekend for their first win during this playoff cycle (E2, P3), a result they now need to repeat while hoping Serbia loses to Montenegro to stay in contention for a top-two finish.
That will be easier said than done for the Lithuanians, especially since they lost the previous match against Hungary 2-0 in Budapest, a game in which they registered just 31% of possession. This is part of a five-game winless streak against their turn-of-the-century opponents for coach Edgaras Jankauskas’ side (E1, P4), who will be hoping this clash proves to be immensely more successful than their last home clash in which they lost 6-1.
After picking up another three points on Saturday in laborious fashion to claim a 2-1 home win over Serbia, Hungary will know the task is simple here in Vilnius. If they win, they are into the Euros, and that is the watchword for the visitors, as another win will send them to their third consecutive European Championship next summer in Germany.
Still unbeaten after five games in this Qualifiers (G4, E1), Marco Rossi’s side have built much of their success on a solid defensive line that has conceded just two goals. Only France had allowed fewer than that prior to the upcoming matchday, and considering the fewest goals they had conceded was eight in their previous four successful Euro Qualifying campaigns, Hungary could break new ground in 2023 as far as their defense is concerned.
Players to watch: During his ninth international match, Pijus Sirvys not only won for the first time as Lithuania’s representative (E2, P6), but also scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Bulgaria. Meanwhile, Roland Sallai is Hungary’s top scorer in 2023 with five goals, one of which he scored in the previous meeting between these teams.
Fast Fact: Hungary led at halftime in each of their last eight wins.
Lithuania – Hungary : Betting Tips
Hungary – Win Odds: 1.25
