Finland vs Ireland Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Nations League | October 10, 2024

Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Nations League
• Date: Thursday, Oct 10
• Kick-off Time: 07:45 pm GMT
• Venue: Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Finland

Finland’s national football team will play host to the Republic of Ireland in the group-stage clash of the Nations League campaign at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Both teams had a disappointing start to the Nations League campaign and will be looking to bag their first points of the competition.

Despite their exclusion from the European Championships this summer, Finland’s national football team have managed to qualify for the Nations League but could be relegated to the third tier as they are sitting fourth in the Group B standings. They have witnessed a drop in form in recent outings as they are winless in their last four fixtures. Their performance in the previous games against Greece and England were disappointing but will now have a home advantage for the next two games

Meanwhile, Ireland’s national football team also produced an underwhelming performance in the Nations League as they lost both their opening games on home soil with a 2-0 margin. This match is expected to be a tactical battle with both sides looking to improve their standings.

Finland national football team news

Finland striker Teemu Pukki is the most well-known player but could miss out on the first-team squad. Kaan Kairinen is expected to return after missing out on the last Nations League game against England.

Ireland national football team news

Meanwhile, for Ireland, captain Seamus Coleman still remains sidelined with a foot injury. Jake O’Brien, Nathan Collins and Dara O’Shea are the undisputed starting centre-backs in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad.

Finland vs Ireland Predicted Lineups

Finland national football team predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Hradecky

Defenders: Stahl, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Uronen

Midfielders: Peltola, Nissila, Kamara

Forwards: Lod, Antman, Pohjanpalo

Ireland national football team predicted lineup (5-2-3):

Goalkeeper: Kelleher

Defenders: Doherty, O’Brien, Collins, O’Shea, Brady

Midfielders: Molumby, Smallbone

Forwards: Ogbene, Idah, Szmodics

Head-to-Head

The two sides have faced off only seven times in the past, with Ireland winning three of those games. Finland managed only two wins whereas the remaining two games ended in a draw.

Last five matches result:

Key Players to Watch out in Finland vs Ireland

Teemu Pukki (Finland)

Finland striker Teemu Pukki who has scored 42 goals for the national side is expected to play his final major tournament on the international stage. The former Norwich City forward is one of the household names in the Finnish squad.

Adam Idah (Ireland)

Adam Idah, who made his permanent switch to Celtic this summer, has been selected to lead the line for Ireland in the Nations League. The 23-year-old striker signed a five-year contract with Brendan Rodger’s side and has already bagged four goals this season.

Finland vs Ireland Prediction

Finland’s national football team struggled in their previous Nations League game against England where they endured a 2-0 loss. They were completely hammered in the opening game of the competition by Greece and now sit at the bottom of the League B standings with zero points after two games. The Finns were absent from Euro 2024 and have won just once in their last six matches across all competitions.

Ireland’s national football team who are favourites for this tie due to their head-to-head record against Finland have also lost their opening two fixtures of the competition. Another defeat would make relegation a likely outcome for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side.

Predicted Score: Finland 0-1 Ireland

Where to Watch Finland vs Ireland Live?