Hungary vs Republic of Ireland predictions and betting tips – Winner takes all in Budapest

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The Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 victory over Portugal has breathed new life into their World Cup qualification campaign. Another win this weekend would send the Irish into the play-offs.A defeat, however, would spell the end of their World Cup ambitions. Can Heimir Hallgrímsson’s side win their final qualifier, or will it be Hungary’s afternoon?Hungary to win – 10/11 with SBKUnder 2.5 goals – 11/17 with 247betDominik Szoboszlai to score or assist – evens with bet365Hungary vs Republic of Ireland oddsFind the latest Hungary vs Republic of Ireland betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change. Stay in-play between matches with bet365’s live casino! Hungary vs Republic of Ireland predictionsSome World Cup qualification groups are done and dusted with one round of fixtures remaining.That is not the case as far as Group F is concerned, however. Armenia are destined to finish bottom of the four-team section, but the other three spots are up for grabs.Portugal remain in pole position to qualify automatically for World Cup 2026 despite their surprise 2-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for the Nations League champions as they sunk to defeat in Dublin.Nevertheless, Portugal hold a two-point lead at the summit of the standings going into the concluding contests on Sunday. A victory over Armenia would therefore send them directly through to the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Depending on the result elsewhere, a draw may also be enough.It is not a given, of course, but the likelihood is that Portugal will indeed get the job done against Armenia. That leaves Hungary vs Republic of Ireland as a shoot-out for second spot and a place in the play-offs.Four teams who finish outside the top two of their qualification group will nevertheless take part in the play-offs because of their performance in the last edition of the Nations League.Neither Hungary nor Republic of Ireland is likely to get in via that method, which really does make this a winner-takes-all encounter in Budapest. A draw would be enough for the former, while the latter must triumph.Hungary must still be cursing themselves for failing to beat Ireland in the reverse fixture. They led 2-0 with 15 minutes on the clock back on matchday one, but a red card shown to Roland Sallai early in the second half opened the door to Ireland, who scored twice to take a point.Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men then lost their next two matches, but back-to-back triumphs over Armenia and Portugal kept their hopes of qualification alive. Their success against Portugal was particularly impressive. It was no smash and grab; Ireland fully deserved to collect all three points.“Now it’s the most important, we just have to switch focus to Hungary,” Halgrimsson said on Thursday. “There’s a lot of tired legs. I hope the win will help us recover quickly but now it’s just about trying to gain as much energy back for this important game in Hungary.”Hungary vs Republic of Ireland betting tips. 18+ GambleAware.org – Please play responsibly.Hungary vs Republic of Ireland betting tipsHungary and the Republic of Ireland are ready to butt heads with a top-two finish in Group F up for grabs.Hungary to edge itThe Republic of Ireland have momentum behind them and their victory over Portugal has given them fresh belief.However, as good as Ireland were on Thursday they are still underdogs for this trip to Budapest.When it was 11 versus 11 in the first game between this pair, Hungary were much the better side. They will also have home advantage behind them this weekend.Ireland’s away record is mediocre, with only one win in their last six matches on their travels. Hungary can edge this one. Tip Hungary to win at 10/11 with SBK Tight and cagey game awaitsThe first few minutes of this match will set the template for what lies ahead.If either team were to score early on, it would probably lead to a more open affair. Going behind early would force the losing side to take more risks.On the other hand, a tight and cagey opening would likely continue for the remainder of the encounter. Given the stakes are so high, we anticipate the latter scenario coming to pass.A 0-0 would suit Hungary, so they are not obliged to come flying out of the blocks. Needing a win, the Republic of Ireland will have to gamble at some point, but that is not their preferred way of playing.Goals are set to be at a premium at the Puskas Arena, but that does not mean this will not be an intriguing match. Go for under 2.5 goals at 11/17 with 247bet Szoboszlai a key influenceDominik Szoboszlai is the most important member of this Hungary team, and he will also be the best player on the pitch on Sunday.That does not mean he is guaranteed to be the game’s standout performer, but with Szoboszlai at his best Hungary have the sort of player who can turn the match in their favour.The Liverpool midfielder has been used in a variety of different roles at club level this season. For his country, Szoboszlai plays as a No.8 with the license to get into the final third as often as possible. The 25-year-old should put his stamp on this game one way or another. Select Dominik Szoboszlai to score or assist at evens with bet365 Hungary vs Republic of Ireland predicted lineupsHungary expected lineup: Dibusz; Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez; Schafer, Styles, Szoboszlai; Bolla, Varga, Sallai.Republic of Ireland expected lineup: Kelleher; O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea; Coleman, Cullen, Taylor, Scales; Ogbene, Parrott, Azaz. Where to watch Hungary vs Republic of IrelandLocation: Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary.Date and time: Sunday 16th November, 2pm.How to watch: Amazon Prime PPV.More World Cup qualifier predictionsWe have plenty more World Cup qualifier predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.About the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. 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