Republic of Ireland vs Finland: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Despite both teams being in less-than-desirable form, we are backing Ireland to win this game, considering the hosts won the first meeting in Finland by a 2-1 scoreline. Finland have lost their last four in all competitions whilst the visitors are winless in their previous six.

Neither side particularly boasts a great defensive record, with Finland chasing their first clean sheet in nine and the hosts without a clean sheet in their previous seven. Expect goals between the two teams regardless, as both teams have scored in seven of the previous nine involving Finland. The visitors are winless in their previous five games on their travels – Republic of Ireland 2-1 Finland

Republic of Ireland host Finland in the penultimate game of the Nations League group stages, with both sides looking to avoid a bottom place finish.

Date: 14/11/24

Kick-off time: 19:45

Venue: Aviva Stadium

After four games, Ireland sit third in the group with three points. They trail second place England by six points, meaning they are all but condemned to a bottom two finish. Their only win of the campaign came against their upcoming opponents, but they lost last time out against Greece. Anything but a loss would mean they finish above Finland, barring a win for their visitors in the final game.

Finland are in danger of finishing as one of the worst bottom placed sides in League B and therefore at risk of relegation to League C. They have yet to pick up a point in the tournament having lost four in a row. Overall, they are six games without a win, with their last victory coming in a March international friendly against Estonia.

Both defences have been poor, so it could provide opportunities for attacking success. Ireland have conceded seven, whilst Finland have allowed 10. However, the pair have both struggled going forward, scoring just two goals each. If either are to threaten, they will lean on the front men Evan Ferguson and Benjamin Kallman. Ferguson has netted just once for Brighton this season, but Kallman has had much more joy for his club Cracovia, scoring 10 in 15 league games.

Whilst Ireland have lost both of their home games in the Nations League so far, they were unbeaten in three coming into the competition. Home advantage should put the game in their favour considering the visitors have lost four of the last five on their travels.

There have only been eight total meetings between these two countries, five of which coming post-2000. Whilst Ireland have the better overall record with four wins, Finland have got the better of their opponents in recent years. They have faced off three times since 2020, Finland winning two. However, Ireland were the winners of the first meeting between the pair in this season’s Nations League, winning 2-1 away from home.

Republic of Ireland vs Finland will not be available to watch on TV in the UK.

Republic of Ireland

After missing the last international break through injury, captain Seamus Coleman returns to the squad. Robbie Brady, Andrew Omobamidele, Chiedozie Ogbene, Jack Taylor and Will Smallbone all miss out due to injury.

Finland

Expect Benjamin Kallman to get the start up front once more. He should be supported by Rasmus Schüller and Glen Kamara. Lukas Hradecky will be in goal.

Republic of Ireland:

In their last five games, Republic of Ireland have won one and lost four. It has been a rough stretch for Ireland, with wins hard to come by. This run started with a 3-0 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly. Joao Felix gave the hosts a half-time lead, before Cristiano Ronaldo extended their advantage after the break with a brace.

They opened their Nations League campaign with a home game against England, but fell to a 2-0 defeat. Ex-Irish internationals Declan Rice and Jack Grealish were both on the scoresheet. Their losing streak continued with a loss of the same scoreline, this time to Greece.

A trip to this week’s opponents Finland finally saw them pick up a first win, as they recorded a 2-1 victory away from home. They came from behind with goals from Liam Scales and Robbie Brady. Their most recent game was another meeting with Greece, which they also lost 2-0. Anastasios Bakasetas and Petros Mantalos netted in the second half.

Finland:

In their last five games, Finland have drawn one and lost four. It has been a difficult stretch for Finland as they have failed to win any games. This run did start with their only draw as they held Scotland to a 2-2 result away from home in a friendly. They had to come from 2-0 down to prevent a defeat as Benjamin Kallman and Oliver Antman netted late on.

A trip to Greece followed in their Nations League opener. However, they were convincingly beaten 3-0 by their opponents. A double from Fotis Ioannidis and an own goal was the difference. Their fortunes did not improve with a trip to England. The Three Lions were 2-0 winners at Wembley thanks to a brace from Harry Kane.

Republic of Ireland continued Finland’s winless start to the tournament with a 2-1 victory. Joel Pohjanpalo gave them the lead, but their hosts turned it around in the second half. Their most recent game was another meeting with England, but it was a similar story once more with a 3-1 loss. Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice all scored before a late consolation.

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