Preview: Northern Ireland vs Hungary

Northern Ireland know a win against Hungary will secure a maiden qualification to the European Championship and a place in a major tournament for the first time since the 1986 World Cup.

Michael O’Neill’s side’s 3-1 victory away to the Faroe Islands on Friday saw them move back to the top of Group F, four points ahead of their Monday opponents with just three matches to play.

This means the boys in green need just three points from their remaining three fixtures to complete a stunning campaign and book their plane to France next summer.

Hungary, who also haven’t qualified for a major competition since 1986, have only lost once so far; a 2-1 defeat against their Irish hosts in Budapest a year ago.

Despite that result Bernd Storck’s men will prove tough to break having conceded just three goals, but they have scored just five, with two of their last three games ending goalless, including Friday’s match with then group leaders Romania.

Against the Faroe Islands, Kyle Lafferty and Chris Brunt both avoided yellow cards which would have resulted in suspensions, meaning both are available.

For the visitors, QPR midfielder Daniel Tozser is suspended after he picked up his third yellow card on Friday.

Group Position: Northern Ireland, 1st (16 points); Hungary, 3rd (12 points)
Last Meeting: Hungary 1-2 Northern Ireland, September 7, 2014
Key Men: Northern Ireland, Kyle Lafferty; Hungary, Balázs Dzsudzsák
Form: Northern Ireland, LLWDDW; Hungary, WLDWWD
Shoot Says: Northern Ireland 1-0 Hungary