- Recent form: MTK Budapest are unbeaten in 5 matches (W2, D3) but haven't had enough killer instinct to convert draws into wins.
- Away record: Zalaegerszegi TE are in poor form (W1, L4) and have conceded 16 goals in 6 away matches across all competitions.
- H2H: MTK Budapest have 2 wins and 3 draws in the last 5 H2H meetings in all competitions (W2, D3).
Tough game for both sides in Hungary
Zalaegerszegi TE will travel to Hungary as the slight underdogs as they face off against MTK Budapest at the Hidegkuti Nandor Stadium on Monday. The odds suggest a close game with the hosts coming in at 2.38, ZTE at 2.51 and the draw at 3.44.
MTK Budapest are the most in-form side in this encounter, yet they haven't been in scintillating form. A run of 3 consecutive draws (0-0 at Kazincbarcika BSC, 1-1 at home to Nyiregyhaza Spartacus FC and 2-2 at Puskas FC Academy) has left them slightly frustrated and without the confidence to truly finish games off.
ZTE have had a much more up and down time lately, but their four-game losing streak has taken the wind out of their sails a little. Their last 10 across all competitions is quite streaky (W4, L5) and that's exactly what is needed here to make a tougher game.
Pinezits has a system, Celikkaya has an identity
MTK approach
Their structured 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system has been well drilled by the Hungarian tactician, with a focus on pressing in coordinated waves rather than disorganised chaos.
- Mate Pinezits' men have had a decent home record across all competitions this season (W2, D2, L1) and they will hope that they can rely on the Hidegkuti's familiar surroundings to get a result.
- Zalan Kerezsi has been MTK Budapest's sharpest attacking force with 3 goals across the last 5 matches, but overall they've been a little stagnant in terms of creativity.
- Pinezits will look to control the midfield and keep the ball moving in phases, but they won't over-commit forward in the hope of a quick counter-attack.
ZTE approach
Filipe Celikkaya's men will bring a very different game plan to Hungary this weekend as they're a lot more front-foot, preferring to win the ball high and strike fast through the wide areas. They will pressure the hosts, but that can leave them vulnerable to a fast counter. Their front three will provide more width and pace, but it remains to be seen if they can make enough numbers behind them when they get played through their press.
The verdict
MTK Budapest should have the edge in this game, but the odds still point towards a tough match and not a runaway win for the home side. The market is not wrong about the game being close, but the draw is not the most likely outcome.
Our main selection will be Over 2.5 at 1.7, as we see this being a scrappy NB I game with plenty of goals, while Both Teams To Score – Yes at 1.57 looks great value as well.
