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

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.