Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Knowing that they can officially clinch a silver medal finish in Group F, Hungary will travel to Armenia on Thursday evening.
Armenia
Starting with the hosts, while Armenia might have sprung an upset back on September 9th as they secured a 2-1 victory at home against Ireland, it appears that was just a minor boost for Yegishe Melikyan’s camp. Last seen falling to a 1-0 loss in Dublin, the Havakakan have lost each of their other three World Cup qualifying appearances. Getting their Group F adventure underway with a routine 5-0 drumming at the hands of European heavyweights Portugal, Armenia have also continued to show some worrying issues at the back. Missing out on the chance to book a Nations League second-tier spot back in March as they fell to a 9-1 aggregate defeat against Georgia, Thursday’s hosts have also shipped 25 goals so far this calendar year.
Armenia Team News
Shown a second-half red card away in Dublin last month, Slovan Bratislava midfielder Tigran Barseghyan will miss out through suspension. Completing a permanent switch to Serbian giants Red Star over the summer, Nair Tiknizyan will start at the back.
While Borussia Monchengladbach striker Grant-Leon Ranos might not have made a single Bundesliga appearance since the start of October, the 22-year-old will lead Armenia’s attack. Recently cementing his spot as Melikyan’s number one choice between the sticks, Henri Avagyan will earn a sixth-cap here.
Hungary
As for the visitors, putting in a stunning performance on foreign soil last time out as they snatched a last-gasp 2-2 stalemate away at European giants Portugal, Hungary have rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. Getting October’s international fixtures underway with a deserved 2-0 victory at home against Armenia, Marco Rossi will be dreaming of a repeat display here. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their four World Cup qualifying appearances, the Magyars will now be searching for some crucial defensive steel. Getting their Group F adventure campaign underway with another 2-2 draw against Ireland on September 6th, Thursday’s guests have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 10 straight matchups across all competitions.
Hungary Team News
Bagging a stunning last-gasp equaliser away in Portugal last month, Liverpool ace Dominik Szoboszlai will lead Hungary out on Thursday evening and earn a 60th international cap. Despite enduring a difficult start to life at Anfield, fellow Liverpool star Milos Kerkez will start at left-back.
Enjoying a stellar start to the new campaign and already notching 10 goals in his first 12 domestic appearances for Ferencvaros, Barnabas Varga will spearhead Hungary’s attack. Entering his second season with Championship outfit West Brom, Callum Styles should keep his spot in the middle of the park.
Armenia vs Hungary Key Factors to Consider
When Armenia and Hungary met for their reverse World Cup qualifying showdown on October 11th, the Magyars claimed a 2-0 victory on home soil.
Hungary have suffered just a single defeat from any of their four Group F appearances this year.
Armenia have lost three of their four qualifying appearances.
Thursday’s guests have recorded just a sole clean sheet from any of their last 10 straight matchups across all competitions.
Armenia have failed to register a single clean sheet across any format since way back in June 2022.
Conclusion
Landing a 2-0 victory when they met Armenia for their reverse Group F battle on October 11th, Hungary will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Knowing that they can officially wrap up a silver medal finish on Thursday night, the Magyars should also be excited by their recent clinical displays in the final third. Notching a pair of strikes in all of their four qualifying appearances this year, Hungary have also gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. In a showdown between two defences who have shown some extended issues, we could be treated to an enjoyable qualifying contest in midweek.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
