Finland vs Ireland Prediction

The second international break of the season sees Finland host Ireland in a really captivating group which also contains England and Greece. Both sides are desperate for a win as they are on no points after two games.

Key Stats

• Both sides are yet to score a goal in this campaign
• Finland are bottom of the group with a -5 goal difference
• Ireland are only slightly better, with -4
• Ireland’s last two away wins came in 2023 and 2022 against Gibraltar and Malta respectively

Finland vs Ireland Previews, Form and Players to Watch

Both teams come into this match needing a win to kick start their campaign. Neither side made it to the European Championships in the summer but both were in League B of the Nations League last campaign. Both of their aims this time is to avoid relegation, however it looks as if only one of them will achieve it.

Finland Preview

Finland Predicted Lineup - Lukas Hradecky; Jere Uronen, Robert Ivanov, Arttu Hoskonen, Adam Stahl; Glen Kamara, Rasmus Schuller, Matti Peltola; Topi Keskinen, Teemu Pukki, Fredrik Jensen

In their last match, Finland lost 2-0 to England, which is nothing to be ashamed of. However the manner in which they lost their previous game, 3-0 against Greece, will frustrate manager Markku Kanerva.

Teemu Pukki is likely to lead the line against Ireland, as he is his country’s all time top scorer with 42 goals. However I think that Topi Keskinen should be one to watch out for. The 21-year-old joined Aberdeen this summer and has already netted twice in the league.

Ireland Preview

Ireland Predicted Lineup - Caoimhin Kelleher; Robbie Brady, Dara O’Shea, Nathan Collins, Festy Ebosele; Jason Knight, Jayson Molumby, Josh Cullen, Chiedozie Ogbene; Finn Azaz; Troy Parrott

Heimir Hallgrimsson will have to make some changes to the side that lost 2-0 against Greece in their last match. Will Smallbone and Alan Browne haven’t been recalled into the squad so it looks as if Finn Azaz will get a chance again, having made his debut in March.

Troy Parrott could also come into the side given his form in the Eredivisie. They centre forward has five goals in eight games and is second in the league’s top scorers so far. Ireland need a goal scorer and so his vein of form may have just come at the right time.

Head to Head Stats - Finland vs Ireland

In the last 10 years, these sides have met twice, both in the UEFA Nations League back in 2020. Before this, Ireland had dominated historic results between the two, but times have changed and Ireland are nowhere near where they once were.

14th Oct 2020 - Ireland 0-1 Finland - UEFA Nations League

6th Sept 2020 - Finland 1-0 Ireland - UEFA Nations League

Betting Tips for Finland vs Ireland

This game is likely to be a close one. Both sides are in bad shape and in desperate need for a victory, but I just can’t see one side edging out the other. Ireland have the better squad and more high level experience, but many fans are unconvinced by their manager. Meanwhile Finland have the home advantage.

It is likely to be a tale of two strikers should Parrott play, with Pukki past his peak and Parrott relatively inexperienced on the international stage. Both will need to be in fine form if they want their side to come out with three points.

With all of this in mind, our team of professional experts have decided that the best tip for this game is for a Full Time Draw. Odds of 2/1 on QuinnBet means that a £10 bet could see a potential return of £30.

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction

Finland 1-1 Ireland

Elsewhere in the Nations League this week is England’s match against Greece and Italy hosting Belgium.