Montenegro – Hungary : Preview & Prediction
Anything is possible for Montenegro in their fourth Euro qualifying round as an independent nation after starting the campaign with one win and one loss. However, getting a positive result against fellow strugglers Hungary, who are going through a good spell, could be crucial to keep alive their unlikely dream of securing a place at a major tournament for the first time since becoming independent from group leaders Serbia.
Montenegro’s first official match was played in this very stadium against none other than Hungary in 2007, the first of two 2-1 home wins they record against these opponents. However, repeating that result will be easier said than done for the home side, as Montenegro have gone four international matches without a clean sheet when playing at home (E2, P2).
Hungary started their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in fine fashion with an emphatic 3-0 win over Bulgaria, and now have the chance to pull away from their pursuers by matching Serbia’s perfect two-game record. Always in the shadow of the iconic Hungarian team that finished runners-up at the World Cup in the early 20th century, they have needed to go to the play-offs to secure a place at the last two European Championships, a fate they will be hoping to avoid this time around.
Getting the win in this match might not be easy for Hungary if we take into account their performance away from home in Euro qualifiers, as the “Magyars” kept a clean sheet in only one of their last eight matches on rival soil, giving up an average of 1.75 goals conceded in that span (G3, E1, P4). Their overall performance away from home paints a better picture, with only Italy having a better record in their last seven international matches (G4, E2, P1).
Players to watch: Montenegro’s Sead Hakšabanović was largely limited to making appearances coming off the bench for Celtic this season, however, the speedy winger managed to tally nine goal contributions (five goals, four assists) to be an important part of the domestic treble achieved by his club. While Hungary and Ulsan Hyundai striker Martin Ádám, who is on course for his second consecutive K-League title with his club, scored in both matches during the past international double-header.
Key statistic: Montenegro have not scored in their last three home European Championship qualifiers.
Montenegro – Hungary : Betting Tips
Hungary – Win Odds: 2.25
