International Friendly Preview: Republic of Ireland -v- Hungary

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Searching for his first win as Ireland Interim manager, John O’Shea leads his squad into a double-fixture of friendlies with a clash against Portugal following in a week’s time.

On home turf, though, Euros-bound Hungary provide the opposition at the Aviva Stadium.

O’Shea ‘s first two games in the hotseat resulted in a scoreless stalemate with Belgium, in which Evan Ferguson missed a penalty, before a narrow loss to Switzerland, both coming in Dublin.

Winless at home since beating Gibraltar in June 2023, almost a year ago, a surprise victory could potentially help O’Shea on his way to landing the manager’s role full-time.

HUNGARY

In-form Hungary qualified for the Euros with a game to spare.

With hosts Germany, Switzerland and Scotland standing between them and the knockout stages, The Hungarians will harbor optimism of navigating their group.

Preparing for an opener against The Swiss in eleven days’ time, Hungary are in flying form, unbeaten in their last fourteen international games.

As they hope to peak at the right time, the boys in green might hope that Hungary, with bigger fish to fry, could be on the wrong end of the scoreline tonight.

Midfield maestro, Dominik Szoboszlai and striker, Barnabas Varga were joint top scorers in Hungary’s qualifying campaign. Both will pose a significant threat.

Referee: Luis Godinho.

MATCH STATS

In his last five appearances, Liverpool midfielder, Szoboszlai has registered seven goal involvements (five goals, two assists).

Should he feature, Everton right-back, Seamus Coleman will earn his 71st International cap for the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland haven’t suffered successive defeats in friendly matches since 2018 against Turkey and France.

PREDICTION

Republic of Ireland 0 - 2 Hungary.

Republic of Ireland

Injured: Andrew Omobamidele, Nathan Collins, Gavin Bazunu, Evan Ferguson, John Egan, Chiedozie Ogbene (unavailable due to family reasons).

Doubtful: Troy Parrott.

Suspended: None.

Hungary

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.