On Thursday, Finland will host the Republic of Ireland in a crucial UEFA Nations League clash at Helsinki’s Olympic Stadium. Both teams are currently struggling in League B Group 3, with neither having secured a point in their previous fixtures this September. With the stakes high, a battle for survival looms as both sides aim to kickstart their campaigns.
Current Standings
Finland and Ireland find themselves at the bottom of Group 3, trailing behind England and Greece, who have established a six-point gap at the top. This situation leaves both teams facing the prospect of direct relegation or a playoff for survival, amplifying the importance of their upcoming encounter.
Finland’s Form
Under the guidance of long-serving coach Markku Kanerva, Finland entered this Nations League season with hopes of building on previous successes, including their qualification for Euro 2020. However, they suffered a disappointing start, losing 3-0 to Greece and 2-0 to England, which has left them at the bottom of the standings. Finland has struggled defensively in recent away matches, conceding at least two goals in their last five outings. The team will be relieved to return home, where they have a follow-up match against England after facing Ireland.
Republic of Ireland’s Struggles
For the Republic of Ireland, the situation is equally bleak. They currently sit above Finland only on goal difference and have already suffered two home defeats in the group stage. The loss to England, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Greece, has raised concerns about relegation under new head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson. He faces the daunting task of avoiding becoming the first Ireland manager to lose their first three competitive matches. Ireland’s recent form has seen them slide down the FIFA world rankings from 34th to 62nd over the past four years, and they have recorded only three wins in their last 15 matches.
Team News
Ireland’s squad has undergone several changes due to injuries and absences. Key players Matt Doherty, Alan Browne, Callum Robinson, and Jake O’Brien will miss out, while captain Seamus Coleman and Will Smallbone are also sidelined. Watford’s Festy Ebosele is expected to start at right-back, and uncapped players Jack Taylor and Mark McGuinness have been called up from the Under-21 squad. Striker Adam Idah, fresh off scoring in the Champions League, will compete for a starting spot alongside Evan Ferguson, Troy Parrott, and Sammie Szmodics.
Finland, meanwhile, is expected to stick with their recent tactical shift from a classic 4-4-2 formation to a more flexible midfield setup. Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky will captain the side, with Teemu Pukki, Finland’s all-time top scorer, likely to lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Finland:
Hradecky; Stahl, Hoskonen, Ivanov, Galvez; Peltola, Schuller; Jensen, Kamara, Antman; Pukki
Republic of Ireland:
Kelleher; Ebosele, Collins, O’Shea, Brady; Molumby, Cullen, Knight; Ogbene, Idah, Szmodics
Prediction
Both teams will view this match as a vital opportunity to secure their first points in the Nations League. Given Finland’s home advantage and Ireland’s lack of confidence, the hosts may have the upper hand. However, Ireland possesses the attacking talent to trouble their opponents. A score draw seems likely, with both sides eager to break their winless streak.
Conclusion
As Finland and the Republic of Ireland prepare to clash, fans can expect a tense encounter with significant implications for both teams’ futures in the Nations League.
