Hungary vs Switzerland Prediction: A tough game to call from a difficult group

Group A looks to be one of the toughest on paper at Euro 2024 and it is going to be fiercely competitive to get out of. Hungary and Switzerland get their campaigns underway at Cologne's RheineEnergieStadion on Saturday (14:00, ITV1, STV, ITVX, STV Player) in what is sure to be a captivating affair.

Read on for my Hungary vs Switzerland prediction, featuring match odds and team news.

Hungary vs Switzerland Odds

Hungary are 12/5 to prevail here, giving them an implied probability of 29.4%. Switzerland are 5/4 to take the victory, which gives them a chance of 44.4%. The draw can be backed at 9/4 (30.8%).

Both teams to score is on offer at 5/6 and over 2.5 goals is valued at 6/5.

Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai scored four goals in qualifying, the joint-highest for his team, and he is priced at 16/5 to score anytime.

Swiss attacker Zeki Amdouni scored six in 10 during the qualifying campaign and he is available at 5/2 to find the back of the net at any stage during this match.

Team News

Szoboszlai is going to be the first name on the team sheet for Hungary and he should be deployed just behind Barnabas Varga, who also scored four goals in qualifying. Varga heads into this match off the back of scoring a brace in a 3-0 friendly over Israel, with his side responding to the surprise 2-1 defeat against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

We should also see Roland Sallai playing alongside the skipper, having also netted in the Israel victory. Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles should play in defensive midfield next to Adam Nagy.

Milos Kerkez should play left wing-back, where he has been impressive for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, and he will pose a threat on the break.

Having missed most of the club season due to injury, and then picking up a muscle injury last month, it remains to be seen if striker Breel Embolo will be deemed fit enough to start for Switzerland over the course of the tournament.

This leaves the door open for Amdouni to lead the line but after his performances in qualifying, he could get the nod on that basis anyway.

Yann Sommer looks likely to start in goal because he has always shone for his country, but Gregor Kobel was named Champions League goalkeeper of the season, so boss Murat Yakin has a big decision to make. Manuel Akanji, captain Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri look to be guaranteed starters.

Draw or Switzerland and both teams to score - Yes @ 7/5

I have already mentioned how I believe Group A to be a very difficult group and this clash in particular should be just that. These are the two teams in my eyes looking to compete to finish in the top two spots, as I believe hosts Germany are guaranteed one of them.

However, there will be four third-place qualifying spots up for grabs and I think the teams in this tricky group could benefit from that. This game is a tricky one to call because there are aspects of both teams which I like, particularly that they both possess players who can deliver moments on the big stage.

For Hungary that applies to Szoboszlai, although Varga can go out and make a name for himself this summer. Then when it comes to Switzerland, you have Shaqiri, Xhaka and Embolo.

I believe this will be a very competitive match but I would be leaning towards Switzerland, although not with certainty, due to their recent pedigree in major tournaments. This is why I have gone for the double chance market, I don't see the Swiss losing but I'm not overly convinced they will win because Hungary are a tough nut to crack.

I've added both teams to score because there is quality in both attacks, and BTTS has been a winning selection in six of Switzerland's last eight competitive matches.

Over 2.5 goals @ 6/5

This leads me nicely onto my second selection. I don't think goals should be an issue here. Hungary's last two matches have seen three goals scored, while Switzerland recently defeated Estonia 4-0.

I have mentioned already that there is quality in attacking areas on both sides, although I would say Switzerland are blessed with more options. Regardless, I think as this is the opening match for both sides, I think it may take the defences a game or two to find their rhythm, which could make way for a flurry of goals on Saturday.

Correct score - 2-2 @ 14/1

If I had to go for a score prediction here, I think I have to sit on the fence and go for a 2-2 draw. I find it hard to separate the two teams and with that I can see them cancelling each other out.

Goals shouldn't be a problem as I have mentioned above, and I do think both sides would happy to come away from this opening match with a point. Avoiding defeat is often crucial for teams when looking to progress to the knockout stage.

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Betfred are running their famed Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven offer on this match, meaning that if a player scores first and then nets again, you will be paid at double the odds. If he grabs a hat-trick, you will be paid at treble the odds!

Saturday June 15 Offer: Place an In-Play bet of £10 or more odds of 1/2+ on Hungary v Switzerland or Spain v Croatia and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Italy v Albania.

You can read all our latest Euro 2024 Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.