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Result/Both Teams to Score: Draw/Yes (4-1 odds)
To Score Anytime: Ádám Szalai (3-1 odds)
To Score Anytime: Steven Davis (6/1 odds)
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Match preview
Northern Ireland stalwart Steven Davies has commended manager Ian Baraclough‘s commitment to blooding young(er) players into the team after the current squad has featured twelve players that ate 25-years-old or younger, which has given Davis hope for the future of his country and an opportunity to relish in his role as a veteran presence among the team. A win against Luxembourg last week is certainly a good start after taking four points from the last two matches in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and a new cycle featuring a young core could signal progression for the nation.
“Although there is an understanding that it can be done for some of the younger ones. It is always good when there is a few of them together as it makes that transition a little bit easier. I think it is a very good week for them and as young players, they always bring energy to training and the group which is always a positive as well. I think the experience will do them well moving forward.” (note: quotes via the BBC)
As for Hungary, the Magyars come into proceedings here on a string of credible performances between World Cup qualifying and international friendlies in their last four outings (2-1-1) which included a 1-1 draw against England at Wembley and a 2-1 win away at Poland to close out their qualifying program. There was hardly any shame in dropping a close 1-0 loss to Qatar-bound Serbia last week, but Hungary still needs work in multiple departments if they are to continue to rebuild an image that has not been the same for decades.
Hungary does have its own cadre of youngsters in the current squad which bodes well for the Magyars in a similar vein as Northern Ireland, while many of their core players remain based in the Bundesliga while performing at the highest level. RB Leipzig trio Dominik Szoboszlai, Willi Orban, and Péter Gulácsi are the tip of the spear for Hungary in that regard while Union Berlin youngster Andras Schäfer and SC Freiburg forward Roland Sallai are all credible pieces in the puzzel. Whether or not Hungary can keep a clean sheet remains to be seen, however, as their struggling defense record remains their biggest weakness.
Northern Ireland team news
Ian Baraclough will be without key defender Jonny Evans as he continues to manage his return from injury after featuring for just over an hour against Luxembourg last time out.
Keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell is available however after remaining with Sheffield Wednesday for their midweek clash but joined the squad in its wake. Paddy McNair did not feature last week and is facing a late assessment.
Hungary team news
Marco Rossi’s Hungary side looks to complete their friendly program with a win after losing 1-0 to Serbia last week and begin to prepare for their UEFA Nations League campaign after being promoted into the A tier.
There could be opportunities for Callum Styles, Akos Kecskes, and Daniel Gazdag to rotate into the XI after all three saw minutes off the bench against Serbia as Rossi looks to flesh out potential options for the opening Nations League fixtures.
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