Finland vs Malta Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Finland vs Malta Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: November 14, 2025 | Helsinki Olympic Stadium | World Cup Qualifiers UEFA Group G | 17:00 GMT

Friday's World Cup qualifier pits Finland against Malta in Helsinki, a crucial Group G encounter as both sides vie for momentum early in the campaign. Finland, under Danish coach Jacob Friis, enter as clear favorites after a gritty 1-0 away win in their March opener against Malta.

The hosts boast a stronger squad and home advantage, but Malta's recent defensive resilience—four straight clean sheets in Nations League play, could make this a cagey affair. With Finland desperate to build on their third-place standing and avoid another Nations League-style slump, expect a focused performance against a Maltese side still seeking their first win.

Key Betting Tips: Finland to Win at 1.22

Finland vs Malta Predicted Lineups

Finland Predicted XI (4-4-2): Lukas Hradecky; Nikolai Alho, Leo Väisänen, Robert Ivanov, Jere Uronen; Robin Lod, Glen Kamara, Kaan Kairinen, Oliver Antman; Joel Pohjanpalo, Teemu Pukki.

Friis has a near-full squad, with no major injuries reported for November. Key inclusions are veterans Pukki and Hradecky, alongside Pohjanpalo's in-form striking duo. Absences like Marcus Forss and Robert Taylor persist from March, but depth in midfield with Kamara ensures balance.

Malta Predicted XI (5-3-2): Henry Bonello; Joseph Mbong, James Shaw, Zach Muscat, Enrico Pepe, Paul Mbong; Teddy Teuma, Matthew Guillaumier, Ryan Camenzuli; Paul Zabbar, Kyrian Nwoko.

Coach Emilio De Leo relies on defensive solidity, with Bonello anchoring a back five. Forward Jurgen Degabriele remains sidelined long-term (five goals in 27 caps), thinning the attack. Emerging talents like Nwoko add pace, but the focus is containing Finland's threats.

Finland vs Malta Current Group G Standings

Group G remains tight after early matches. Finland sit third with 3 points from one win (1-0 vs Malta), one draw, three losses overall in qualifiers (goal difference +1). Malta languish fifth with 2 points from two draws, four losses (GD -12). Leaders Netherlands top with 9 points (three wins), followed by Lithuania (4 pts). Bosnia-Herzegovina hold second (6 pts). A Finland win here could leapfrog them to second, while Malta need points to escape the drop zone.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

The sides have met just twice, with Finland unbeaten. Their March 2025 clash saw Finland grind out a 1-0 victory in Ta' Qali, courtesy of a Pohjanpalo header. Historically, Finland won 5-0 in 2018, underscoring their edge. No draws; Malta yet to score against them.

March 21, 2025: Malta 0-1 Finland (World Cup Qualifiers)
October 11, 2018: Malta 0-5 Finland (Nations League)

Finland vs Malta Recent Matches Analysis

Finland Last 5 Matches

Finland 2-1 Lithuania (H) – World Cup Qualifiers
Netherlands 4-0 Finland (A) – World Cup Qualifiers
Finland 0-2 Greece (H) – Nations League
Ireland 1-0 Finland (A) – Nations League
Finland 1-1 Estonia (H) – Friendly

Friis's side shows flickers of promise but struggles for consistency, winless in four before the Lithuania breakthrough. Defensively solid (three clean sheets), but scoring remains an issue—averaging 0.8 goals per game.

Malta Last 5 Matches

Bosnia 4-1 Malta (A) – Friendly
Malta 0-4 Netherlands (H) – World Cup Qualifiers
Malta 0-0 Lithuania (H) – World Cup Qualifiers
San Marino 1-3 Malta (A) – World Cup Qualifiers
Malta 1-1 Andorra (H) – Nations League

Malta's grit shines in draws, but heavy defeats expose frailties. Unbeaten in four prior to Bosnia, they've kept clean sheets against weaker foes but leaked 12 goals in losses to top sides.

Finland vs Malta Predictions

Our algorithm, crunching 200+ data points including form, player metrics, and tactics, predicts a 2-0 Finland win (65% probability). Home soil and superior talent should prevail, though Malta's low block may limit the scoreline. Expect Finland to control possession (58%) and create 1.2 xG.

Best Finland vs Malta Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Finland to Win @ 1.22

The Huuhkajat's quality gap is evident; they've won both prior meetings without conceding, and Malta's attack (0.4 goals/game) lacks punch. Home form under Friis (unbeaten in three) seals it.

Key Players to Watch: Finland vs Malta

Joel Pohjanpalo (Finland): The Palermo striker's aerial prowess netted the March winner; with three goals in seven qualifiers, he's primed to exploit Malta's set-piece weakness.

Henry Bonello (Malta): At 38, the veteran keeper's shot-stopping (79% save rate) is vital. His clean sheets in draws highlight reliability against Finland's predictable patterns.

Teemu Pukki (Finland): The 38-year-old legend, with 39 international goals, partners Pohjanpalo—his movement could unlock Malta's compact defense if fitness holds.

Finland vs Malta Match Facts

Referee: To be confirmed (UEFA appointee).

Broadcast Details:

UK: TNT Sports, discovery+ at 17:00 UTC.

Stadium Information: Helsinki Olympic Stadium, capacity 36,200, hosts Finland's qualifiers with a passionate crowd boosting the atmosphere.