Finland vs Hungary Predictions

Finland will be looking to use the Nations League as a platform to finally qualify for their first major tournament in the form of the 2020 Euros. Whilst they have never been around the top teams in Europe, the sight of other small countries being able to compete at the Euros must have stung and they will be doubly determined to qualify this time.

They have manager Markku Kanerva who has been around the national coaching set-up for fourteen years now and is popular with both players and fans. Indeed, with only one loss in their last ten international matches across all competitions, it looks like Kanerva has implemented a successful season and improvements are definitely being seen.

Indeed, in that run, there has been some impressive results. Draws against quality teams like Turkey, Croatia and Austria have been matched with resounding wins against the lesser teams, like Estonia and Malta. This indicates the side are now ready to elevate to a higher level of European football. Although, a recent goalless draw at home to Macedonia suggests there is still work to be done.

Hungary have good memories of recent European tournaments, qualifying for their first Euros in 44 years in 2016. They performed well in their group, remaining unbeaten against Austria, Iceland and, most impressively, eventual winners Portugal. Whilst they were thrashed by Belgium in the second round, they will take great heart from that run and will be looking to repeat it now.

Although, they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, finishing a distant third place behind Portugal and Switzerland. Hungary now have a new coach in Marco Rossi and he will be looking to improve the Magyar’s dreadful recent form, which has seen them lose three out of their last four international matches.

They will be reliant on star striker Adam Szalai, who has been in excellent form at the start of the season for Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Szalai has scored three goals in two games, including one against giants Bayern Munich, and he will have to provide for this team in order for them to succeed.

However, we think this game could be a low-scoring game, given the head to head record these teams have, as well as the tight defence Finland have developed in recent years. Thus, an Under 2.5 goals looks suitable for this game.

In addition, whilst Hungary have had the upper hand in recent history between these two sides, we think a stronger Finland side will gain an improved result against them, with a 1-1 draw a good bet.