Scotland vs Hungary: Preview, lineups and predictions

*Odds are subject to change

Despite their disastrous opening game performance against Germany, Scotland still has a very credible chance of making it into the knockout stages of Euro 2024. They have never managed this in a European Championship before, but a win against Hungary would likely see them through as one of the best-ranked third-placed teams.

The Tartan Army will be hoping that their upcoming opponents are low on morale following back-to-back defeats in this competition. With zero points and a goal difference of minus four, the situation is rather bleak for the Hungarians. Three points could still be enough to proceed to the next round though (as Ukraine managed in Euro 2020) so there is hope yet.

With both teams desperately needing to win this match, we could potentially be in for a thrilling end-to-end game of football full of drama.

• Location: Stuttgart
• Stadium: Stuttgart Arena (MHPArena)
• Date: 23 June 2024
• Kick-off Time: 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST)
• Referee: Facundo Tello (ARG)
• VAR: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)

Scotland Team News

Responding to the poor defeat to Germany, Steve Clarke made some changes for his side’s second Euro 2024 clash. Billy Gilmour came into the starting eleven, Scott McTominay pushed further forward and John McGinn played more centrally to support Che Adams. This fresh approach worked well as the Scots were far more competitive and deserved their point.

The draw did come at a cost, though, as Kieran Tierney was stretched off and has been ruled out of this match at least. With Ryan Porteous also still suspended, this leaves the Scots rather light at the back.

Hungary Team News

There’s not too much to report regarding Hungary’s squad ahead of this crunch tie. They have no injuries, and although four players, including Dominik Szoboszlai, are one yellow card from suspension, this will be of little concern for Marco Rossi. At this stage, the Hungary manager’s only focus will be beating Scotland and hoping other results go his side’s way.

The Magyarok need goals here, but not many of them are on the squad. Szoboszlai (12) and Sallai (13) are the only two players with more than seven international goals.

Scotland vs Hungary H2H Record and Key Numbers

These two sides have very little in the way of recent history, having only met twice since 1987. This is also the first time facing one another in a competitive match, with all previous encounters being friendlies. Hungary narrowly edge the overall head-to-head standings, but Scotland would level things with a win here.

As for the form of these two nations, the Tartan Army are looking for what would be just their second win in their last 12 matches. Despite two Euro 2024 defeats, Hungary have a much better recent record which reads seven wins in their last 13 fixtures. This certainly suggests Hungary have the advantage but in such a high-pressure game, form often counts for very little.

Possible Lineups

• Scotland (3-4-1-2): Gunn – Hendry, Hanley, McKenna – Ralston, McGregor, Gilmour, Robertson – McTominay – Adams, McGinn
• Hungary (3-4-3): Gulácsi – Fiola, Orbán, Dárdai – Bolla, Á. Nagy, Schäfer, Kerkez – Szoboszlai, Varga, Sallai

Where to Watch Scotland vs Hungary Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

In Scotland and the rest of the UK, fans can watch this clash on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. In Hungary, M4 Sport will be broadcasting the action live.

My Prediction

Scotland showed significant improvements against Switzerland and will take a great deal of confidence from that performance. It is difficult to back them to win here though given the only side they have beaten since September is Gibraltar. We also think Hungary has not played poorly this tournament and are more than capable of avoiding a third successive loss. Although it does neither team any favours, I can see the two nations cancelling each other, so back the draw for the Scotland vs Hungary fixture.