Ireland vs Finland Prediction: 14/11/2024

Ireland is currently positioned in third place in Group 2 of League B in the Nations League, trailing second place by six points. With a three-point lead over the last-place team, Ireland is aiming to secure its spot to avoid direct relegation and potentially compete in a relegation play-off. They have managed only one victory so far, a 2-1 win against Finland in October, while suffering losses to England (0-2) and Greece (0-2 and 2-0).

Meanwhile, Finland has struggled significantly in Group 2, sitting at the bottom with zero points from their first four games. The Scandinavian team urgently needs a win to keep their hopes of climbing to third place and avoiding a drop to League C. Finland has been unable to find solutions on the field, falling to Greece (3-0), England (2-0 and 1-3), and Ireland (1-2).

Ireland faces this game without several key players, including defenders Doherty and Omobamidele, midfielders Brady and McGrath, and forwards Ogbene and Robinson. In the attack, promising talents Ferguson and Parrott are expected to lead, while Kelleher continues to perform well in goal. Defenders O’Shea and Collins bring experience to Ireland’s backline.

Finland will also be without defenders Galvez and Stahl, midfielder Valta, and forwards Jensen, Keskinen, and Haarala.

Pohjanpalo, who scored against Ireland in their previous encounter, is likely to start as striker, supported by midfield workhorse Kamara. Veteran goalkeeper Hradecky will take his place in goal for Finland.

 

Prediction

Finland’s recent away games in the Nations League have typically been low-scoring, with clean sheets featuring prominently. Likewise, most of Ireland’s recent home matches have seen at least one team fail to score. A similar scenario could unfold in this match.

Prediction: Ireland 0 : 1 Finland