Hungary vs Portugal Odds - Tricky wingers will inspire Portuguese glory

The soccer odds for this Saturday’s Hungary-Portugal matchup are giving the home team a lot of credit, as Portugal has underperformed in the qualifiers so far, especially on offense. The key to the Portuguese game is speed on the flanks, and a pair of former club teammates, along with a player who was their club rival, should push Portugal to victory.

Hungary vs Portugal odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
With just two games left, these two are tied with 13 points, while Portugal holds a one-goal lead on goal difference courtesy of their 1-0 win in Hungary last month. Portugal and Hungary are two points behind Sweden, who sit in second place, which would be good enough to get you into a play-off for the final qualification spots. But given the pressure on the Portuguese, they have more to play for.

Betting Edge: Portugal

Hungary vs Portugal odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Hungarians are no offensive juggernaut with nine goals in eight matches, led by three from Sandor Torghelle. Hungary will need captain Zoltan Gera to be at his attacking best on Saturday, and he scored a goal in his last game with Fulham. Gera missed the Portugal game last month and Hungary was lacking in offensive imagination without their skipper, who boosts their online betting chances.

Speaking of skippers, Cristiano Ronaldo says he’ll be ready for this game as he missed Real Madrid’s last match with an ankle knock. Ronaldo, the reigning World Player of the Year, has yet to score in six qualifying matches, while former Manchester United teammate Nani is tied with Hugo Almeida with two goals apiece. Nani has impressed with his club so far this year, and if Ronaldo plays to form, these two can tear up and down the flanks for Portugal.

Betting Edge: Portugal

Hungary vs Portugal odds maker breakdown: Defense
Hungary’s sportsbook odds depend on their defense, and they’ve given up five goals so far. Sszabolcs Huszti marshals a physical back four that doesn’t take many chances, but are very sound fundamentally.

Portugal has made up for their offensive problems by tightening up on defense, allowing five goals as well. Pepe, Jose Bosingwa and Ricardo Carvalho have played very well in front of Eduardo, and Pepe even scored in that win over Hungary last month.

Betting Edge: Draw

Hungary vs Portugal odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Gera (foot) was the main injury worry for Hungary, but he played all 90 minutes for Fulham against West Ham last weekend.

Ronaldo (ankle) is working hard to get in shape for this match, and the Portuguese would receive a huge boost if their captain can go.

Betting Edge: Hungary

Hungary vs Portugal odds maker breakdown: Totals
Neither team has impressed offensively in these qualifiers, and we keep waiting for Portugal to break out. If Hungary decides to come out and go for goals, it could make for an entertaining match. But Hungary may just sit back and try to avoid a loss, as a point would help.

Betting Edge: UNDER 2.5

Hungary vs Portugal betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Portuguese need to get their offensive game together, and they need to do it on the flanks, where the likes of Ronaldo, Nani and Chelsea fullback Jose Bosingwa have to pressure the Hungarian midfield and defense. Outside of Gera, Hungary doesn’t have a lot on offense, and they may sit back and try to hit on the counter. But Portugal’s width should be enough for a victory.

TODD’S PICK: Portugal -700

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Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to BetOnline.com.