Pre-World Cup friendlies: Hungary-Slovenia, likely lineups

Tonight at Puskás Arena at 6 p.m., Marco Rossi’s Hungary takes on Slovenia in a friendly that pits two very solid teams against each other. For the Magyars, reeling from the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, it is a chance to reset and restart from their own staples. Both formations arrive at the appointment with some players missing. Rossi had to forgo Loic Nego and Callum Styles, who were initially summoned but forced to forfeit due to physical problems, replaced on the run by Zsolt Nagy and Attila Szalai. An even more complicated situation for Slovenia, which lands in Budapest without its two stars: Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak and Manchester United bomber Benjamin Sesko, both unavailable due to injury. They are joined by the absences of defender David Brekalo and midfielder Sandi Lovric.

Rossi opts for a dynamic, offensive module. In goal is newcomer Toth, protected by a four-man line that features the experience of Orban in the center and the drive of Sollai and Kerkez on the outside lanes. In the midfield Schafer is in the booth, with Szoboszlai and Vitalis on either side of him. In attack, space is given to the trident formed by Schon, Varaga and Lukacs.

Matjaz Kek’s national team responds with a more closed setup. Between the posts is Vekic, defense led by former Udinese Bijol, full-backs Stojanovic and Zec. The four-man midfield provides balance with central pair Cerin, Stankovic, while Verbic and Seslar on the flanks. The attacking pair will be Šporar and Vipotnik.

Probable Formations:

Hungary (4-3-3): Toth; R. Sollai, Orban, Nego, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Schafer, Vitalis; Schon; Varaga, Lukacs. Trainer Marco Rossi.

Slovenia (4-4-2): Vekic; Stojanovic, Bijol, Zec, Janza; Verbic, Cerin, Stankovic, Seslar; Sporar, Vipotnik. All. Kek Matjaz.

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