Hungary vs Switzerland predictions: Hungary can see off Swiss

Aidan Perkins
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Marco Rossi has done an impressive job in charge of Hungary
Marco Rossi has done an impressive job in charge of Hungary

- Hungary have lost just one of their last 16 games
- Switzerland have only won two of their last seven matches
- Recommended bet:
Hungary to win

Hungary fall into the 'dark horses' category for many at Euro 2024 after they topped their qualification group, going unbeaten to finish just ahead of Serbia.

They surprisingly lost to Republic of Ireland 2-1 in a warm-up game in Dublin last week but Marco Rossi's side bounced back convincingly, seeing off Israel 3-0 on Saturday.

They enter the tournament in good shape and should have too much for a Swiss outfit who drew with Austria 1-1 in their final preparation match for the Euros.

Team news

Rossi is expected to select Peter Gulacsi in goal ahead of Denes Dibusz, while key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will captain the Hungarians.

Loic Nego and Callum Styles have not trained fully in the build-up to the tournament and are doubtful for the Group A opener.

For Switzerland, forward Breel Embolo and midfielder Steven Zuber are both unlikely to be fit to start so Zeki Amdouni is expected to lead the line.

Experienced duo Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri are likely to line up in midfield.

Granit Xhaka is one of Switzerland's key men for the Euros
Granit Xhaka is one of Switzerland's key men for the Euros

The stats

Since June 2023, Hungary have played 12 times, winning seven of those matches, drawing four games and losing just once.

Switzerland have drawn seven of their last 11 games.

The Swiss are ranked 19th in FIFA's rankings, Hungary are 26th.

Hungary and Switzerland have met 46 times previously and Hungary have the better head-to-head record, winning 30 times. Switzerland have picked up 11 victories and there have been five draws.

Prediction

Hungary put the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup firmly behind them last year and have had a very good 12 months leading into the Euros.

Having been drawn alongside hosts Germany, Scotland and the Swiss in Group A, the Magyars will fancy their chances of at least finishing second and they should demonstrate their credentials by picking up three points in their opening game.

Switzerland cannot be taken lightly as they are competing in their third consecutive Euros having progressed to the knockout stage in both of those previous appearances, only losing on penalties to Spain three years ago in the last eight.

However, they tend to pick up more draws than victories and while they will once again be difficult to break down, Hungary should have enough quality with the likes of Szoboszlai, Roland Sallai, Milos Kerkez and Barnabas Varga to come out on top.

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HungarySwitzerlandEuropean Championship