We have a Finland v Republic of Ireland prediction for you plus a breakdown of the betting odds, team news and matchups ahead of their Nations League game.
Finland lost their opening two Nations League qualifiers against Greece and England, conceding 5 goals and scoring none in the process.
Ireland were not much better in their games losing against Greece and England, conceding four goals and scoring none.
How To Watch Finland v Republic of Ireland
When is Finland v Republic of Ireland?
Finland v Republic of Ireland will kick off at 7.45 pm on Thursday, October 10th.
TV Channel
RTÉ2 will provide live televise this game with pre-match buildup from 7 pm.
Live Stream
The Republic of Ireland v Finland Nations League match can be streamed on RTÉ Player.
Where is Finland v Republic of Ireland Being Played?
Finland are the home team for this fixture so this game will be played in Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland.
Finland v Republic of Ireland Odds
Team | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Finland | 9/5 | 35.7% |
Republic of Ireland | 8/5 | 38.5% |
Draw | 15/8 | 34.8% |
The oddsmakers have found it difficult to separate Finland and the Republic of Ireland ahead of this game with the Irish only slightly favoured at odds of 8/5.
Despite home advantage, the Fins are rated as the less likely of the two to get a win in this one at odds of 9/5.
The draw is seen as a 15/8 chance.
Handicap Betting
Finland: -1 @ 11/2
Republic of Ireland: +1 @ 4/9
Handicap Draw: -1 @ 16/5
Bet on Finland v Republic of Ireland Odds at BoyleSports
Finland v Republic of Ireland Preview
Finland’s Form
Finland have been managed by Markku Kanerva since 2016 a role which he was appointed following a five-year stint as assistant of his country from 2011-2016 and as working as U21 coach for his country from 2004-2010. He’s a tactically flexible manager utilising a 3-5-2, 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formation in 2024 so far.
Far from a footballing giant, Finland have never participated in a World Cup and their sole European Championship appearance came in 2020 when they were eliminated at the Group Stage. The national team has an All-Time win rate of 26.67%.
There is some talent in their squad though with Leverkusen keeper Lukas Hradecky, young LB on the books of Man City Tomas Galvez (19) and former Premier League striker Teemu Pukki among those involved.
Ireland at home presents Finland with their best opportunity for points in the Nations League.
Finland’s Last Five Results
England 2-0 Finland | September 10th | Loss
Greece 3-0 Finland | September 7th | Loss
Scotland 2-2 Finland | June 7th | Draw
Portugal 4-2 Finland | June 24th | Loss
Finland 2-1 Estonia | March 26th | Win
3 Losses, 1 Win and 1 Draw
Republic of Ireland’s Form
Heimir’s well and truly here but even though he’s only two games into his tenure poor performances and results against Greece and England (both 0-2) compounded with blurred lines between himself and O’Shea means that he needs a result in this game or could come under early pressure.
Despite that criticism from his opening International Window ahead of these games the signs look to be that Heimir is beginning to stamp his authority on squad selections, especially with the decision not to call up Matt Doherty who has been one of the squad's biggest underperformers in recent years. Furthermore, the additions of Finn Azaz and Jack Taylor into the squad with Josh Cullen returning means the midfield make-up looks considerably stronger than the previous camp.
There is too much talent in this Irish squad and there should be serious questions asked if they can’t win this game.
Republic of Ireland’s Last Five Results
Republic of Ireland 0-2 Greece | September 10th | Loss
Republic of Ireland 0-2 England | September 7th | Loss
Portugal 3-0 Republic of Ireland | June 11th | Loss
Republic of Ireland 2-1 Hungary | June 4th | Win
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Switzerland | March 26th | Loss
4 Losses and 1 Win
Finland v Republic of Ireland Predicted Lineups
Finland Predicted Starting XI (4-3-3)
GK: Hradecky
RB: Stahl, CB: Hoskonen, CB: Ivanov, LB: Uronen
RM: Peltola, CM: Schüller, LM: Kamara
RW: Jensen, CF: Pukki, LW: Keskinen
Republic of Ireland Predicted Starting XI (4-4-1-1)
GK: Kelleher
RB: Omobamidele, CB: Collins, CB: O’Shea, LB: Brady
RM: Ogbene, CM: Cullen, CM: Molumby, LM: Johnson
AM: Knight
CF: Parrott
Finland v Republic of Ireland Head-To-Head Results & Stats
All-Time Head-To-Head Record
Finland wins: 2
Republic of Ireland wins: 3
Draws: 3
Head-To-Head Last Five Results
Finland 1-0 Republic of Ireland | Nations League | October 14th, 2020
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Finland | Nations League | September 6th, 2020
Finland 0-3 Republic of Ireland | Friendly | August 21st, 2002
Republic of Ireland 3-0 Finland | Friendly | August 21st, 2002
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Finland | Liam Brady Testimonial | May 16th, 1990
Key Players To Watch
Teemu Pukki – Finland
The Finnish record goal-scorer with 42 goals from his 123 appearances might be getting on in years at 34 he remains a crucial component for his nation. Pukki remains a lethal finisher who Ireland cannot afford to give chances to because he will punish them.
Troy Parrott – Republic of Ireland
One of the biggest talking points following Ireland’s last games against Greece and England was Parrott’s place in the squad and the decision from Heimir and his assistant O’Shea not to give him any minutes. However, Parrott responded in the best fashion possible scoring 4 goals against Heerenveen a few days later and he has since scored against FC Utrecht and against Elfsborg in a 3-2 Europa League win.
It would be madness if he doesn’t see minutes in both games this time around.
Finland v Republic of Ireland Prediction & Best Bet
Prediction: Finland 0-2 Republic of Ireland
While Finland have some decent players, both their qualifying record (or lack of it) historically as well as their 6 defeats, 1 draw and just three wins across the last two years suggest they aren’t the toughest of opposition.
Heimir has the opportunity to flip the narrative on his early tenure and with the quality of players he has to choose from in comparison to Finland, a win is very much on the cards in this game.
With both teams priced at 17/10 Ireland could represent value for the win.
Best Bet: Republic of Ireland @ 17/10
Bet on Finland v Republic of Ireland Odds at BoyleSports
*Prices are subject to fluctuation.
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