Northern Ireland return to Windsor Park after opening their Nations League campaign with an important victory in Georgia. Hungary arrive in Belfast looking to recover from a narrow home defeat against Ukraine.

Northern Ireland started with an away victory

Northern Ireland made the perfect start to life back in League B by beating Georgia 1–0 in Tbilisi.

The match appeared to be heading for a draw before Northern Ireland scored a dramatic winner in added time. It was a valuable result for Michael O’Neill’s young squad and continued their recent defensive improvement.

Northern Ireland have now kept clean sheets against Georgia, Guinea and Luxembourg during their last six matches. They have also avoided defeat in four of their previous six games.

Their preparations for Hungary have been affected by the loss of Dan Ballard. The defender picked up an injury against Georgia and has returned to his club, leaving O’Neill without an important part of his back line.

Even without Ballard, Northern Ireland are likely to use the same disciplined approach. They are comfortable defending deep and will look to create chances from set pieces and quick attacks.

Hungary need a response after losing at home

Hungary also began their Nations League campaign with a 1–0 defeat against Ukraine.

It was their first loss in five matches following victories against Slovenia, Finland and Kazakhstan and a goalless draw with Greece.

The visitors have more individual quality in midfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai their main creative player. Milos Kerkez also gives them energy on the left, but Hungary struggled to create enough clear chances against Ukraine.

Hungary have a strong record in this fixture. They have won five of their seven previous meetings with Northern Ireland and have never lost at Windsor Park.

Their most recent meeting ended in a 1–0 victory for Hungary in Belfast in 2022. However, Northern Ireland should provide another difficult test after the confidence gained from winning in Georgia.

Windsor Park could produce another tight match

Northern Ireland’s home matches are usually close and low-scoring. Their last six games at Windsor Park have all finished with fewer than three goals.

Neither team scored more than once in the opening round. Northern Ireland relied on a late winner against Georgia, while Hungary failed to score at home against Ukraine.

The hosts are unlikely to take many risks against a technically stronger opponent. Hungary should have more possession, but breaking down Northern Ireland’s compact defence will not be easy.

The pressure is also on Hungary after losing their opening match. That could lead to a cautious start as both teams try to avoid giving away the first goal.

With Northern Ireland’s defensive approach, Hungary’s recent attacking problems and the low-scoring history of this fixture, another match with few goals looks likely.

Tip

Under 2.5 goals