Hungary and Georgia are still searching for their first victory in this Nations League campaign. Neither team has scored after two matches, with all four of their games producing no more than one goal.

Hungary have home advantage at the Puskás Aréna, but their recent performances suggest another close and low-scoring match.

Hungary have struggled in attack

Hungary opened the group with a 1–0 home defeat against Ukraine before playing out a goalless draw away against Northern Ireland.

Marco Rossi’s team collected their first point in Belfast, but they once again struggled to create clear chances. Hungary have now failed to score in three of their last five matches.

Dominik Szoboszlai remains their most important attacking player. Hungary will look to get him on the ball around the penalty area, where his passing and shooting can make the difference.

However, the hosts do not have a reliable goalscorer leading the attack. Daniel Lukács could start up front, while Bendegúz Bolla is expected to miss the match after suffering an ankle injury against Northern Ireland.

Hungary should control more of the ball at home, but breaking down a defensive Georgia side may take time.

Georgia have also failed to score

Georgia began their campaign with a disappointing 1–0 home defeat against Northern Ireland. They improved in their second match and collected a point from a 0–0 draw against Ukraine.

Willy Sagnol’s team have now failed to score in consecutive matches. Their last five games have also finished with fewer than three goals.

Georgia still carry a threat through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze. Both players can create something from very little, particularly when Georgia win the ball and attack quickly.

The visitors are unlikely to take many risks in Budapest. A five-man defence would allow them to keep players close together and limit the space available to Szoboszlai.

That approach worked against Ukraine and could make this another difficult match for Hungary’s attack.

Another tight match looks likely

Every match in this group has been low-scoring so far. Hungary and Georgia have each scored zero goals and conceded only once across their opening two games.

Both teams need a victory, but that does not necessarily mean the match will become open. Hungary have struggled to turn possession into chances, while Georgia are at their best when they can remain organised and counterattack.

Hungary are the slight favourites because of their home advantage, but backing them to win carries some risk. Georgia have enough individual quality to punish mistakes, even if their recent attacking form has been poor.

The stronger option is under 2.5 goals. A single goal could decide the match, with 1–0 to Hungary or another 0–0 draw looking like realistic results.

Verdict

Hungary should have more possession and may create the better chances, but neither side has shown much in attack during the opening two rounds.

Georgia will probably defend deep and make the hosts work for every opportunity. With both teams still waiting for their first goal of the campaign, another low-scoring match is the most likely outcome.

Tip

Under 2.5 Goals